


/ UTlrisLi/i/vcuyt/ , 

IK 3 






r/ 



k^ 




Book^ZJ 



i\%7 



A. few- copies of tlxi.s Flay Kave beeix pi'iixted, 
aiad. are to be sold, to IManager's only. 

PRICE ONE DOLLAR. 



~^^t^m^* 




OiW'? 



xM md till Jlilliwi, 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS, 



y 

ALPHONSE A. ROUX, 

Author of " Louise Necker," a Comedy — " Love and Eoveiige," 
a Drama — "Major Peacock," a Farce, &c., &c. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by Ai.phonsf. A. Kot;x, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the ITnited States 

for the Southern District of New York. 



T^r^ t) J' .V 



NEW YORK : 
H^^^MIXJEIL, FRENCH 

No. 122 Nassau Street. 




.^^ //A^J 



PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. 



THE GRAND DUKE OF MILAN. 

JOSEPH D'ARPINAS, his favorite courtier. 

ANGELO DELLA PERGOLA, Knight of Malta. 

MICHAEL ANGELO CARRAYAGGIO, Painter and Sculptor. 

STEFANO, his younger brother. 

DAVERNA, ^ 

> Milanese Noblemen, Carravaggio's enemies. 
SPINELLI, S 

LUDGI, Captain of the Grand Duke's Guards. 

BOMBA, a Painter, President of the Judges. 

GOBI, T 

} Painters. 
GAMBATTI, 5 

SOLDI, •) 

> Ushers to the Grand Duke. 
LEO, 5 

MARIA LEONTIA, niece and adopted daughter to the Grand Duke, 
BEATRICE, her nurse. 

Lords, People, Judges, Soldiers, etc. 
THE SCENE LIES IN MILAN, 1597-1595). 



I 



N. B. — Charles S. Bernard «fe Co., 486 Broadway, New 
York, are the agents to negotiate for the privilege of producing 
this play. 

TMP9t)-0C6741 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



ACT I. 



Carravaggio's Studio — a large room; a pmjecling closet in the 
middle^ a windoio and door at left, a door at right ; ^jawi^- 
ings, chairs, <^6'. 

(^A knock at the door is heard.) 

Daverna. [Entering.] No answer, so there is no indiscretion. 
[Ente^'S and closes the door behind him.] At last I am in the sanc- 
tuary that has so long been closed to me ! It is true that I have 
more than once caused Carravaggio to regret saying that I was no 
judge of paintings ; my satires have been most successful ; still I 
admire the works of the worthy successor of divine Kaphael. 
[Admiring the paintings.] What a number of master i)ieces — and 
unfinished ! The very canvass breathes beneath his brush. 

Enter Stefano, mournfully. 

Stefano. [Without seeing Daverna.] They refuse to give us 
credit any more ! It is a pity ! The confectioner's cakes looked 
very inviting ! How hard, at my age, to have to eat dry bread for 
breakfast. What ! a man here ! My brother forbade me to let 
any one enter this room excepting his fair unknown. 

Daverna. Why ! it is little Stefano ! 

Stefano. You here, Signor Daverna ! — Who allowed you to 
enter ? 

Daverna. I knocked, received no answer and walked in. 

Stefano. Depart, signer, depart ; go elsewhere to insult with your 
infamous satires my brother's genius 

Daverna. Come, silence, little embryo, just from the cradle. 

Stefano. You — a man — should blush at receiving lessons from a 
child. Your conduct towards my brother is unworthy of an honest 
man. 

Daverna. Take care, beardless boy ! 



■* THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. • 

Stefano. [Ironicallj/.] Oh ! you need not look so fierce. You do 
not frighten me. 

Daverna. [Smiling.] I do not wish to frighten you. I know 
you are brave for your age. 

Stefano. I will prove it in a few years, when I shall be able to 
handle a sword ; in the meanwhile, depart, you, who never cease 
pursuing my brother with your bitter and unjust criticisms ; you, 
who dare to write that Carravaggio is but a miserable daub ! 

Daverna. Yes, I say so to wound to the quick your brother's 
pride, for he feared not to wound mine, but I secretly render justice 
to him. 

Stefano. Leave, insolent and vile scribbler, for I cannot control 
my anger ! 

Daverna. Stefano, your youth and your love for your brother 
may excuse your insults, but repeat to him that his pride will make 
him lose even to his last friend. Adieu ! 

[Ex4t Daverna. 

Stefano. [Alone.] They accuse my brother of pride because he 
will not stoop to flatter the powerful and wealthy. [A Jlourish of 
trumpets heard.] What means this? [Goes to the window.] It 
is the Grand Duke's herald. 

(Herald heard outside.) 

" In the name of his Highness the Grand Duke of Milan, the 
" exhibition of paintings and statues will close to-morrow. The 
" names of those who bear off the prize will be proclaimed to the 
" people, and the victors will be conducted in triumph to the grand 
" hall of the Palace, where his Highness the Grand Duke will 
" crown them and inscribe their names on the Golden -Book of the 
" Nobility of Milan." 

People. [Outside.] Bravo ! Bravo ! 

{Flourish of trumpets — cries, hravo ! bravo ! ) 

Enter Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. I heard a voice that was unknown to me. "Who 
was here ? 

Stefano. [Aside.] I fear lest I should anger him by saying it was 
his detractor. [Aloud.] The stranger wdio just left was a foreign 
amateur. 

Carravaggio. Has he discovered ? 

Stefano. What? 

Carravaggio. [Going to the closet and feeling lock ; aside, joy- 
fully.] No! no! [Comes doion in front.] Were you absent when 
he came ? 

Stefano. I had gone to buy our breakfast. 

Carravaggio. I am not hungry. 

Stefano. [Aside.] That's fortunate for him. but not for me. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. O 

Carravaggio. Had you been here you would not have allowed 
him to awake me. 

Stefano. Then go to sleep again. [Stefano takes a. chair, sits 
doion beside Jds brother, whose head he lays on his shoidder.] 

Carravaggio. I am no longer sleepy-. 

Stefano. Yet you worked all night. Brother, husband your 
strength, I beseech you, for your sake as well as for mine. What 
would become of me if you were taken ill ? Your enemies accuse 
you of spending your days in idleness and your nights in debauch. 
Can they not see your pale and careworn brow, the result of your 
midnight labors ? Ah ! had you not forbidden me to speak 

Carravaggio. [Embracing him tenderly.] Oh ! you are my guar- 
dian angel ! 

Stefano. [Accentuating.] So you say, because I love you. This 
is what I should tell your calumniators : Do you not kuow^ that my 
beloved brother, since his return to Milan, has gained more than a 
hundred ducats by carving, in secret, little statuettes, that I am 
obliged to sell for quarter their value to old Solomon Dorcas, the 
antiquarian ? 

Carravaggio. Fortunately he keeps my secret ! No one thinks I 
am the sculptor of these statuettes. 

Stefano. No one — you are known as a painter, but not as a 
sculptor, and I, I, your brother, the natural confidant of your 
thoughts, I myself do not know what that closet contains. A 
statue, I suppose, for I saw some costly marble brought in, but as 
yet you have not touched a chisel in my presence ; you work by 
night, and lock the doors, like an alchemist distilhng poisons. I 
do not reproach you with it — but come, candidly, what is that 
statue — is it copied from your jDicture of St. Cecilia, that is such a 
likeness to the fair unknown ? Would you join the glory of a 
.great sculptor to that of a great painter? God only knows what 
hopes I had based on this idea. Alas ! to-morrow the exhibition 
will be closed, and perhaps your statue is yet unfinished. 

Carravaggio. [ Who has taken a statuette from a draicer.] Child ! 
why such wild hopes ? [Embraces him.] Go to Solomon Dorcas 
and offer him this statuette. 

Stefano. W^hat ! is this the result of your midnight labors ? 
Faith, I was nuwilling to say so, but it appears to me that for 
some time past sculpture has made you forget painting. Never 
mind ! thanks to your work, we will be wealthy for two weeks ! 

Carravaggio. With economy. 

Stefano. If you find fault 'with your steward, you need only 
discharge him ! [Looking at the statuette.] A statuette of St. 
Peter ! heavens ! what pretty little keys — they'll open us the gates 
of Paradise, I am sure. Oh ! if you would but send that statue — 
[points to the closet] — to the exhibition. [Carravaggio shakes his 



6 THE ARTIST AND THE KOBLEMAN. • 

head.] You still have no confidence in your talent. It is a great 
pity. What a chance you'll have missed. But will you not ex- 
hibit the picture 

Carravaggio. [Interntpting Mm.] Come, speak not of this, do 
you hear ? Leave me — I wish to be alone. 

Stefano. ^Aside.] Impossible to discover anything. \^Aloud.\ I 
am off for Solomon's, and will soon return. 

Carravaggio. It is useless ; keep the money, pay our debts, and 
visit the exhibition. 

Stefano. [^Aside.] A likely story ! I leave my poor brother fast- 
ing ! he is thin enough already. [Aloud.] Come, kiss your little 
steward. [Carravaggio kisses him.] Good bye, brother — good 
bye. [E.vit Stefano. 

Carravaggio, alone. 

He, too, speaks of it ! Doubtless 'tis a fine chance I lose, but 
though I am still master of my painting, the statue is no longer 
mine. To-morrow there will be two happy men in Milan — the 
two successful candidates who, by unanimous consent, will be pro- 
claimed the Princes of Art. And I, Michael Angelo Carravaggio, 
am / not envious ? There are artists whose fate it is to struggle 
eternally against obscurity and misfortune — perhaps I am one of 
these ! There are madmen, who take for genius their loathing for 
the humble trade of their fathers — am I one of those madmen ? 

[Sits doum and reflects. 
Enter Leontia and Beatrix, hidden in veils and cloaks. 

Leontia. Angelo ! 

Carravaggio. You here, Leontia ? . 

Beatrix. Against my advice, however. 

Leontia. Yes, good Beatrix, you came because I wished you to ; 
now keep watch, lest we be interrupted. 

[Exit Beatrix, and the door remains half open. 

Carravaggio. What can have happened? A month without 
seeing you — a century ! 

Leontia. My uncle, my adoptive father, was ill — I was ever at 
his bedside — besides, since we last met, I feared my uncle con- 
cealed a secret from me — he suspects, perhaps. Oh ! were he to 
know ! 

Carravaggio. You would be lost, would you not ? 

Leontia. Alas ! 

Carravaggio. Then why return hither — why not endeavor to 
forget so dangerous a love ? Oh ! while it is still time, separate 
your destiny from mine. I will return to you, my betrothed, the 
ring we exchanged in our moments of rapture — leave me, forget 
me ! 

Leontia. Have I wounded you, Angelo ? 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. / 

Carravaggio. No, but T have the pride of an artist. It is most 
painful to me when I see you suffering on account of my love ! 

Leontia. What have- 1 done that you should shrink thus ? I only 
expressed what I feared, but you are far more cruel to destroy all 
my hopes. 

Carravaggio. Well! I will tell you all, even were you to think 
me still more cruel. The Grand Duke, your adoptive father, con- 
ceals a secret from you ; you were right. I will reveal it : he 
wishes to wed you to the nobleman and artist, Joseph D'Arpinas ! 

Leontia. Heavens ! is it possible ! 

Carravaggio. It is the talk of all Milan. Ah! I would have 
guessed it by the hatred I bear him ! 

Leontia. But this marriage shall not take place. The Grand 
Duke has the right to refuse my hand to my lover, but he cannot 
compel me to wed another ! Ah ! whatever may happen, you or 
the cloister, I swear it ! Our love is pure, I can pray for it with- 
out blushing ; and when your fame will reach me in my sohtude, 
when I hear your works praised and your name glorified, I shall 
think proudly : It was I who understood him the first, and I am 
the first woman he loved. 

Carravaggio. Yes, the first and the last ! Ah I Leontia, may- 
heaven bless you ! — you, the angel who inspires and consoles me. 
To-day, more than ever, my heart was filled with discouragement 
and bitterness ; at the sight of you, all has changed. I know not 
what the future has in store for me as an artist, but you love me ! 
Loved by you, Leontia, I cannot but succeed ! 

Leontia. You will ! Where is the St, Cecilia ? 

Carravaggio. The statue or the painting ? 

Leontia. The statue. 

Carravaggio. Ah ! speak not of the copy whilst I kneel to the 
model ! [Kneels.'] 

Leontia. [Making him rise.] Will you not send it to the exhi- 
bition ? 

Carravaggio. No, for I made it for myself alone. I desired your 
portrait, Leontia — something to which I might speak of you, when 
not beside me — an imperfect likeness, but one that would not leave 
me ! When I commenced my work, the Grand Duke had pro- 
claimed throughout Europe the exhibition ; St. Cecilias were 
dreamed of by every artist. I carved you as St. Cecilia, without 
other thought, I assure you, but that of possessing your hkeuess; 
and, besides, I never forgot that terrace in Venice, where, at night, 
you sang, accompanying yourself on the harp. I wished to carve 
in marble the most charming of my recollections — my idol is there, 
in that closet, as in a sanctuary, nor will it ever be removed ! 
After what took place in Venice, exhibiting your statue would pro- 
claim our love. I, an unknown artist, am admitted to none of 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

those festivals where the great and happy of Milan alone may 
aloue gaze on you unveiled. It would say to them : She came to 
my dwelling — and if the Grand Duke 

Leontia. Alas ! 

Carravaggio. And besides, as there are so many obstacles to our 
marriage, what would become of me if deprived of her and of you?. 
Oh ! do not laugh at my folly ! I love that statue, not as an artist 
loves his work, but as a lover adores his mistress ! and now that it 
is nearly finished, now that it is like liesh and blood, I tremble in 
its presence as I would in yours ! — there is a defect in the arm that 
holds the lyre, a defect that three blows with a chisel would cor- 
rect, but I dare not touch it ! — it appears to me as if the statue 
breathed, and as if the blood would How ! Pity me ! yesterday, at 
twilight, I was kneeling to it — 1 heard divine sounds coming from 
the lyre — it seemed to step down from its pedestal. 

Leontia. [SmilmgJ] So I have a rival ? 

Carravaggio. No — a sister. 

Leontia. [Going tovmrds the closet.'] Then show me my sister. 

Carravaggio. Stay ! stay — T speak with enthusiasm, and then I 
suddenly despair. I doubt not but you will find in it as many im- 
perfections as I imagine there are beauties. I have not quite fin- 
ished it, so pray do not laugh at me. Hold ! — it is not for you to 
lift the veil — do not place reality so near to fiction, art and life 
beside fancy ! — to examine my statue in your presence, would but 
discourage me. 

Leontia. You mistrust 3'our genius, Angelo, and by the love you 
bear me, I implore you to show me your statue. 

Carravaggio. You wish it — you exact it — I obey. [Touches a 
sjrring, the closet opens, and St. Cecilia is perceived on her pedestal 
— a pause — Leontia draws the curtain — a 2^ause.] 

Leontia. Oh! 

Carravaggio. Well ? 

Leontia. [Throwing herself in his arms.\ You must send this 
statue to the exhibition to-day — at once ! 

Carravaggio. Leontia, remember that Liza del Giocundo was 
dishonored when Leonardo da Yinci painted all the Madonnas in 
her image. 

Leontia. [After having again admired the statue.] Shame on 
me, if, by my guilt, this masterpiece remained unknown ! It must 
be seen, you must triumph ! even were I to be cursed — even were 
I to be dishonored ! 

Carravaggio. A little glory in exchange for your honor ? Never ! 
never ! 

Leontia. But I know not what I say ; your love would honor a 
queen. [Admires the statue.] You are right ! she breathes — she 
speaks ! Oh ! noble Angelo, great artist, 1 will be worthy of you, 



1 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 9 

I swear it ! I will fear nothing; the Grand Duke has now strength 
enough to listen to me, I will have strength enough to speak ! 

Carravaggio. I said, Leontia, that I consented to send my pic- 
ture to the exhibition, but no profane eye shall criticise the statue ; 
it is mine alone. 

Leontia. I will obtain the Grand Duke's permission, and you 
will not resist my prayers. Adieu, great artist, a double crown 
will be placed to-morrow on your noble brow ! [Exit, Imrriedly ; 
Carravaggio locks the door after lier.^ 

Carravaggio. [Alone.'] Ah ! it is love's judgment I have just 

heard! — how different, perhaps, from that of the crowd! — the 

crowd ! — oh ! my statue, the other half of my love, gazed on by 

the crowd ! No ! never. \Slmts the closet^ hurriedly. \ 

{Knocking at door.) 

[Carrivaggio opens the door — Enters Stefano. 

Stefano. Why you were locked in I [Looks around.] Why do 
you lock yourself in when alone ? 

Carravaggio. [Angrily.] AVhy have you returned so soon ? Did 
I not tell you to go to the exhibition ? 

Stefano. The doors were not yet open. 

Carravaggio. You should have waited. 

Stefano. Why scold me ! look ! — [Throios a handful of gold on the 
taUe.] — and our debts and breakfast paid ! [Places meals on table.] 

Carravaggio. Gold ! 

Stefano. Yes, we are rich ! Look at the bright new ducats, 
bearing the Grand Duke's eflBgy — the Grand Duke is very hand- 
some on gold ! — twelve ducats, no less ! 

Carravaggio. Who gave them to you ? 

Stefano. Gave? [Pro7iMy.] My dear Angelo, your skilful stew- 
ard sold, for a round sum, St. Peter and those j^retty Uttle keys 
that were to open us the gates of Paradise. 

Carravaggio. What ! Did that old wretch Solomon 

Stefano. He ! draw from his entrails twelve ducats at once ! — it is 
much less of a miracle. This is the whole story : I was carrying 
your statuette when I met two strangers, a young and an old one; 
both stopped and examined your work. The old one admired your 
St. Peter, and the young one criticised and found fault with every- 
thing ; I would have beaten him, had I dared ! 

Carravaggio. What did he say ? 

Stefano. Oh ! he was very severe ; his companion continually re- 
peated, but, but — at length he gave so many good reasons that the 
young man was convinced and asked the artist's name. I told 
him it was a secret ; he gave me his purse, which I took, without 
counting the contents, for I saw the-glitter of gold ! 

Carravaggio. That trifle was not worth twelve ducats. 
2 



10 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 





1 



Stefano. Should I have refused them ? Not I ! I'm too smart 
for that ! 

Carravaggio. [Smiling.] The success of this statuette is per- 
haps a good omeu 

Stefano. [Sli/ly.] For that of St. Cecilia ? 

Carravaggio. How do you know I car\-ed a St. Cecilia ! 

Stefano. [Winking.] Oh! I guessed it! So you would exhibit 
a statue and a painting? 

Carravaggio. Patience ! to-night you shall know all ; in the 
meantime, I'll give my painting the finishing touch ! [Exit hy right. 

Stefano, alooie. 

" Patience !" I'm to know all to-night I It appears my brother 
is more ambitious than I thought ! — to exhibit a statue and a paint- 
ing ! the deuce ! — no one ever heard of such a thing ! So that 
closet contains a St. Cecilia ! But why did he carve it so secretly '? 
He was in such a huriy to finish his painting that he forgot all 
about his breakfast ! VVell, I am possessed of a better memory ! 
[Sits down and eats.] I dropped in at the confectioner's and had 
only to show him a ducat for him to give me credit again ; his 
cakes are better than usual this moniing ! [Knocks at the door.] 
A knock ! perhaps some parasite, if so, I'll make sure of my broth- 
er's mince pies, at all events ! [Covers dinner iip.] Come in ! 
[Enter Ludgi and some unarmed soldiers.] 

Stefano, Ludgi, Soldiers — aftenmrds Carravaggio. 

Ludgi. By order of the Grand Duke, where is Michael Angelo 
Carravaggio ? 

Stefano. [Calling.] Brother! brother! 

Carravaggio. What do you wish, signer? 

Ludgi. [Handi7ig him a jjarchment.] Eead! [While Carravag- 
gio reads.] You have a statue ready for the exhibition — the Grand 
Duke has sent me hither for it. 

Carravaggio. A statue ! — [Mournfully.] — A statue ! [Goes to 
the closet and finds it locked.] You are wrong, Signer, it is not a 
statue, but a painting I intended for the exhibition. Come, I will 
show it you. [Goes to right.] 

Ludgi. I am not mistaken ; the statue is in that closet. [Tries 
to touch the spring, Carravaggio prevents him.] 

Carravaggio. The statue is not intended for the exhibition. 

Ludgi. It is a St. Ceciha. 

Carravaggio. Perhaps; but I have no account to render to any 
but myself for my caprices. 

Ludgi. But I am responsible to the Grand Duke for the manner 
in which I discharge my duty, and, I assure you, I will not leave 
without the statue. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 11 

Stefano. \^Aside.\ If I had as much strength as good will, I would 
make him leave quick enough. 

Ludgi. You hesitate? Well, I repeat, I will not leave without 
your statue. 

Carravaggio. \IronicaUy.] Even were it the property of an- 
other ? 

Ludgi. Whatever price you have been offered for it, the Grand 
Duke will pay you double. 

Carravaggio. [Ironically.] And my word ? 

Ludgi. The Pope can release you from it. 

Carravaggio. [Ironically.'] Sign or, you are speaking to a poor 
artist who thinks otherwise of questions of honor. 

Ludgi. The Grand Duke will no longer allow masterpieces to 
leave his states j your statue was carved in Milan, to Milan it shall 
belong. 

Carravaggio. Ah ! Signor, I swear by my mother's ashes that 
shall not be. 

Stefano. Brother, I beseech you, do not be so passionate. 

Ludgi. Enough. I have hesitated too long ; the Grand Duke's 
wishes are orders — [Tliroios down a jnirse.] — Here is gold. 

Carravaggio. I despise your gold ! [Throtvs j^urse out of the 
loindoio.] 

Ludgi. Never mind ! now this statue belongs to the Grand Duke. 
Soldiers, seize it ! [The soldiers advance.] 

Carravaggio. We shall see ! [ Takes a hammer and rushes he- 
hind the closet. Stefano follows his example and stands before it.] 

Stefano. Back! [Waves his haminer .] 

Carravaggio. [Behind the closet., utters a cry of despair, the 
breaking of the statue is heard, the door opens and he is seen stand- 
ing on the remains of it — furious.] — Strike now, and murder the 
artist on the remains of his work ! [Ironically.] There, take it, 
carry it off! [Falls fainting in his brother'' s arms, loho lays him on 
a sofa.] 

Stefano. Brother! brother! 

Ludgi. [Aside.] I cannot fathom this mystery. [To soldiers.] 
The painting is in the next room, take it and leave by the back 
door. [Exeunt soldiers.] I must send for a physician and report 
to the Grand Duke. [Exit following the soldidrs. 

Stefano. Angelo ! brother — dear brother 

Carravaggio. [Reviving.] Leontia! — where am I? — how heavy 
my head feels ! I have slept, no doubt. Ah ! what awful dreams ! 
what has happened ? I cannot recollect — am I still dreaming ? — 
am I mad ? 

Stefano. Brother, what ails you ? You look at me so wildly — 
you terrify me ! 

Carravaggio. [Wildly.] Who are those men ? 

Stefano. We are alone — it is I, Stefano, your brother. 



12 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Carravaggio. No, see those men — there — there — [In a whisper.] 
— hide me; hide me — they have come to arrest me — they are 
sbiri. 

Stefano. Brother! 

Carravaggio. [Changing Ms tone.'] Leontia ! You know — she 
returned hither — her eyes sparkled, as she looked at me saying, 
come ! come ! — and I, wishing to conceal her from all, I took the 
hammer and then — then — [Smiling.] — I killed her ! 

Stefano. Leontia ! 

Carravaggio. [Smiling.] Yes, Leontia! [Wildly.] St. Cecilia! 
I know not which ; but was it not a crime, a great crime ? I should 
have pitied her, should I noti She was so beautiful! 

Stefano. Angelo ! — brother ! yon are dreaming ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, weep ! weep ! My fury has respected none 
but my Stefano. [Presses him convulsively in his arms.] May 
Providence judge betwixt us ! Death to the murderer ! Death to 
the sacrilegious wretch ! Strike down the lover who killed his 
mistress ! Strike down the father who took his child's life ! [Falls 
hack exhausted.] 

Enter Pergola, Leontia and Beatrice. 

Leontia. Angelo ! good news ! I have seen the Grand Duke, and 
told him all — [Seeing him faint.] — What do I see ! 

Pergola. Stefano, what ails your brother ? 

Stefano. Look ! [Points to the broken statue.] 

Leontia. Oh ! I understand ! [Aside.] Poor Angelo ! I shall 
never have love enough to compensate for his sacrifice. [Wishes to 
draio near him.] 

Beatrice. I beseech you, Signora, allow me to watch over Signor 
Carravaggio. 

Pergola. I see a broken statue, but I cannot understand 

Stefano. My brother has fainted, for he thinks he has killed Sig- 
nora Leontia, when he broke the statue. 

Leontia. Alas ! am I cause of his misfortune ? What shall I 
do? [Clasjnng her hands.] heaven, inspire me! — a sublime 
inspiration ! — conceal those fragments, replace the pedestal ! Come, 
Beatrice. [Both go behind the closet.] 

Stefano. 1 cannot understand 

Pergola. But I can 

Carravaggio. [Dreaming.] Leontia — dead — St. Cecilia — dead — 
both — both dead ! [Pergola hides the fragments and Stefano 
runs to his brother.] 

Stefano. I understand new. 

Pergola. [Hiding the fragments.] By the Cross of Malta, I think 
we'll do a miracle ! 

Stefano. Brother, brother, Leontia still lives, the statue is not 
broken. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 13 

Carravaggio. [Starting.] Leontia still lives ! — and St. Cecilia ? 
Who said she was not dead ? 

Slefano. I, your beloved brother, your Stefano. 

Carravaggio. You ! It is false, false ! I killed her I 

Pergola. What ! do you doubt my word, I, Angelo Delia Per- 
gola, Knight of the Order of Malta ! 

Carravaggio. [Draioing his hand over his brow as if to remevi- 
ber.] Pergola ! Angelo Delia Pergola ! my friend ! 

Pergola. Himself, in person. 

Carravaggio. [Drawing his hand over his hroic] Yes — my friend 
Pergola — his words are not false 

Pergola. [Aside. \ They should not be ! 

Carravaggio. [To Pergola.] Friend, your arm, lead me to St. 
Cecilia — yonder — no, there. [Points to closet.] 

Pergola. With pleasure; but you must promise me to be calm 
and master your emotion. 

Carravaggio. Yes, yes, I will try. [They ajjproach the closet.] 

Stefano. [Opens it.] Brother, behold your statue ! [Leontia 
dressed as St. Cecilia is seen behind a gauze.] 

Carravaggio. [Leaning on Pergola a7id Stefano. J Yes, it is 
she ! How beautiful she looks ! What a masterpiece I fancied I had 
destroyed ! Let me look at her nearer — she breathes — she speaks ! 
Oh ! conceal her ! quick ! — the Grand Duke would purchase and 
compel me to sell it — he would seize, and I will keep it for myself 
alone ! Oh ! shut the door, for I am jealous of my work. [Falls 
back almost faint ing . [Pergola and Stefano lay him on the sofa.] 

Pergola. [Aside.] The miracle commences. 

Carravaggio. [In delirium.] Leontia — then was it you I killed ? 

Pergola. [Aside.] The miracle is not yet done ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, yes, it was her ! 

Pergola. No, for you will soon see her once more. 

Carravaggio. Can it be ? 

Pergola. I am a Knight of the Order of Malta. 

Stefano. [Throioing himself in Carravaggio's arms.] Brother, 
brother ! 

Carravaggio. Stefano, my Stefano ! [Embraces him loildly.] But 
where is Leontia ? 

Leontia. Here I am, my Angelo ! [Falls at his feet.] 

Carravaggio. St. Ceciha ! 

Leontia. Do you not know your Leontia ? 

Carravaggio. Leontia — in my arms — Leontia, my love ! Oh ! it 
is you ! But where is St. Cecilia ? 

Leontia. [Points to closet.] She is there. 

Carravaggio. Oh ! yes, yes, I saw her. [Pressing her in his 
arms.] Oh ! my Leontia ! my guardian angel ! 

Pergola. The miracle is done ! [Tableau. 

3 (Curtain falls.) 



14 THE ARTIST AND THE N0BLE3IAX. 



ACT II. 

A hall in ths Grand Duke^s palace. 

Enter Ludgi, preceded hy musicians and folloxoed hy an escort — 
they cross the stage from right to left and go to balcony at 
hack. 

{Music.) 

Ludgi. In the name and by order of his Highness, the Grand 
Duke of Milan, I hereby announce that the exhibition of paintings 
that has taken place in Milan, is now closed. The exhibition of 
sculpture is hereby postponed till next year. 

People. {^Outside.'] Bravo! Bravo! 

Enter Soldi, Bomba, four Judges^ and soldiers liy the right. 

Soldi. [Announcing.'] The President and Judges. \The Presi- 
dent and Judges cross from right to left.\ 

Ludgi. [After having stationed sentinels.] Guards, the Judges 
are about to deliberate ; no one must enter yonder room. Watch 
that the orders of our Sovereign be punctually executed. 

Soldi. Yes, Signor Captain. [E.vit Ludgi hy the right. 

Enter Gori, Gambatti, and artists. 

Gori. [To Gambatti.] The Grand Duke's orders are severe. 

Gamhatti. [Smiling ironically.] Of course ; there must be some 
appearance of justice. 

Gori. What ? Do you suppose. . . . ? 

Gamhatti. No ! I do not suj^pose. I am certain. 

Gori. Nay, you are wrong; the Grand Duke is too loyal, .and, 
besides, he would not dare be unjust in the eyes of all Europe, 

Gamhatti. Who knows? He is infatuated with Joseph D'Ar- 
pinas, his favorite as well as his. . . . 

Gori. Silence ! Would you calumniate our Sovereign ? 

Gamhatti. No ! I would speak the truth. 

Gori. Your admiration for Carravaggio blinds you. 

Gamhatti. I confess that of all the pictures on exhibition, one 
struck me as very far superior. 

Gori. His ! Yes, I think so too ! CaiTavagio is our master, and 
w^ill soon rival the divine Eaphael. 

Gamhatti. And how noble-hearted he is ! They say, that yester- 
day, in a fit of anger, he destroyed the statue the Grand Duke 
wished to compel him to give up. 

Gori. Doubtless that is the reason the exhibition of statuary has 
been postponed. However, though we have lost a masterpiece, we 
have still a great artist in our midst. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 15 

Gamhatti. He will never stoop to flatter the powerful ! He 
despises their vices. 

Gori. Ah ! here he comes. How thoughtful and careworn he 
looks. 

Enter Carravaggio, slowly. 

Carravaggio. \To himself.] Yes, I should have rendered the face 
more expressive, more fair, more tender. .1 know not what feeling 
held back my brush, that against my will, portrayed unceasingly 
Leontia's features ! But what of it ? . . . My triumph would be 
certain, were the judges to recognize her ! . . . And where could a 
worthier model be found ? 

Gori. You seem uneasy. Signer Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. Ah ! excuse me, Signori, I had not seen you. 

Gamhatti. Like you, we impatiently wait that the victor be pro- 
claimed . . . The voice of the people has already named him. 

Carravaggio. That voice is not always obeyed. 

Gori. But this time, it will be ; it has pronounced the name of 
Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. My dear pupils, your friendship blinds you. So 
many celebrated artists have sent paintings to the exhibition .... 

Gamhatti. That it is for you to triumph over them ; but in a 
few hours our uncertainty will be over, for the Judges have just 
entered the gallery. 

Carravaggio. Already ? 

Gori. They are now deliberating. 

Carravaggio. [^Aside.] Ah ! my anguish increases ! \Slts doicn 
agitated and reflects.] 

Gori. [To Gambatti.] T cannot understand his uneasiness. 

Gamhatti, Is not Joseph D'Arpinas a competitor, and is he 
not ? 

Gori. Hush! we are in the Grand Duke's palace. 

Gamhatti. True !. . .But see, Carravaggio is wrapped in thought ; 
he both fears and hopes ; our presence is perhaps an inconvenience 
to him ; let us withdraw. 

Gori. Yes ! [ To the other artists.] Friends, let us not disturb 
our master ; follow me. [Exeunt all hy right. 

Carravaggio. [Alone., rises suddenly.] Why did I not destroy 
my painting as well as my statue? ... Oh ! Raphael ! divine Ra- 
phael ! never will I be able to equal your genius ! Poets may 
speak with the pen, but you, divine Raphael, you speak with one 
touch of your brush ! ... As I look at my works I am discour- 
aged ! and yet I feel something there ! . . .[Points to his hroio.]. . . 
there ! . . . [ Points to his heart.] 

Enter Leontia, veiUd. 

Leontia. My presentment did not deceive me; it is he! 



16 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



Carravaggio. What ! Leoiitia ! you here ! 

Leonlia. Dear Angelo, I could not master my impatience ; veiled 
and concealed, I ran hither to learn. . . . 

Carravaggio. The Judges still deliberate. 

Leontia. 1 know it ! have you heard unfavorable news ? 

Carravaggio. No ; not yet. 

Leontia. Why then are you so melancholy ? 

Carravaggio. Ah ! you know too well the cause of my fear . . . 
Joseph D'Arpinas competes for the prize ! 

Leontia. His painting was hardly noticed ; those of your pupils 
are superior. 

Carravaggio. \hitterly.\ They have not the Grand Duke's pro- 
tection ! 

Leontia. Nay. .the Grand Duke is just ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, but they say.. Joseph D'Arpinas is nearly 
related to him — that is, the Grand Duke treats him with the care 
of a father . . . The rumors that are whispered throughout the town 
will have come to the Judges' ears, and will show them the distance 
between him, the nobleman and favorite, and me, Michael Angelo 
Carravaggio, the poor painter who dares love you. 

Leontia. Angelo, the Judges are honorable artists ; why would 
they commit an injustice you would blush to think of? 

Carravaggio. True, Leontia, artists are noble hearted men. — 
Ah ! were not your hand the prize, I would despise this trial ; a 
vain desire for glory often demands too many sacrifices ! 

Leontia. I know it, Angelo, and never will I be able to love you 
enough to compensate for this sacrifice, and yet, God knows how 
dear you are to me ! 

Carravaggio. Angel ! 

Leontia. Ah! if you fancied the happiness I felt in mingling 
unknown with the crowd that filled the gallery, I stood admiring 
your masterpiece, and listened, trembling, to the words of those 
surrounding me ; your name was in every mouth. . .The nobles pro- 
nounced it with respect; the people with pride; artists with venera- 
tion ; women with envy ; and I, sure of possessing your love, hoping, 
proud, I concealed my tears of joy, and ran to hide myself and be 
alone with my happiness. 

Carravaggio. Oh ! how fair on your brow will be the nuptial 
wreath ! What a picture I will paint of Leontia following Carra- 
vaggio to the altar; yes, Leontia, your hopes quiet my fears ; 1 will 
conquer, that I may win your hand. . .for to lose you ... to see you 
the wife of another. . .Oh ! Leontia. . .1 scarce dare think of it.'. . . 

Leontia. Angelo, I love you ! What more can I say ? 

Carravaggio. Oh ! my fife is in these words. 

Leontia. Hark ! I hear footsteps, it is Joseph D' Arpinas with 
his friends. Let us retire that they may not see us together. 



THY. ARTIST AND THK NOBLEiVIAN. 17 

Carravarjf/lo. Put down your veil, Signora; I will acconipHtiy 
you. ' \Exeunt left.. 

Enter Joskph, DAVErxNA, Spinelli, Noblemen, by right, and go 
towards 2d E. left. 

Joseph. This way, Signori — [o2Jens a door.] — This is tlie exhibi- 
tion hall. 

Soldi. [On the door.\ No admittance. 

Joseph. We are all noblemen. 

Soldi. No matter. No admittance ... by order of the (Trand 
Duke. [He shuts the door.] 

Daverna. It appears the orders are strict. 

Spinelli. You know that the Grand Duke is severe on that 
point. 

.Toseph. Too severe ! There is as much ceremony in awarding a 
prize for painting as would be used were it necessary to behead an 
Italian noblemen. It is supremely ridicidons. 

Daverna. Come, do not be angry, you are certain to obtain the 
prize ! 

Joseph. I hope so ... I fear but one .... 

Daoerna. Carravaggio ? 

.Toseph. [Disdainfnlli/.] Carravaggio! the son of a mason, who 
earns his miserable livelihood by carving Madonnas ? No ! not 
he . . . another . . . Angelo Delia Pergola. 

Daverna. The jovial Knight of the Order of Malta? He is not 
an artist . . . merely an amateur. 

Joseph. For that very reason I fear him. The friend and j)ro- 
tector of Carravaggio; he pleads continually in his favor, and lias 
already exclaimed at the corruption of the Judges, thereby insinu- 
ating that it would be unjust to award the prize to any but the 
j)lebeian . . . Since this morning he is with the Grand Duke. 

Darerna. Because his Highness wishes to be in a good humor 
for the dav. Whv need vou fear his decision, vou. Ids favoritr 
his.... 

S I) in ell i. His son ! 

.Toseph. Silence! That namt? must not be uttered till the Grand 
Duke pronounces it himself, if I am the victor. 

Leo. [Entering from R. and announcing. \ Signor Axgkj.o 
Della Pergola. [E.rit. 

.Toseph. Pergola ! Not a word in his presence. 

Enter Pergola. 

Pergola,. Good day, good day, Signori ; well, what news this 
morning? What scandalous adventure took place last night? 
AVhose honor was compromised ? Which plebeian murdered ? 
Which nobleman exiled from court? 



18 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Joseph. 'Tis we, Signor, who should ask yon the news. 

Pergola. 1 ? ... I have not met a soul. 

Joseph. Perhaps not, l»ut the Ci rand Duke's closet, from whence 
yuu have just come, contains all the secrets in Milan. 

Pergola. What ! are you jealous of the favor his Highness 
granted, by calling to inform me that my manners and beliavior 
displeased him? 

Jonepli. 1 would scarce have believed that the Grand Duke sum- 
moned you for that purpose; your looks are not those of a courtier 
whose master has been upbraiding him. 

Pergola. Ah ! I am not a courtier ! Whether a favorite or not, 
always the same, laughing at fortune, too small to be provoked, too 
great to be insignificant, living at court, but lost in the crowd, and 
.seeing pass by me ambition, without losing my modesty and vile- 
ness, without stooping to Hatter. . .the consequence is that this morn- 
ing I was enabled to prove the (irand Duke that he was wrong. . . 
he acknowledged it, and to make amend for his suspicions, he gave 
Hie his private usher to announce me throughout the pala^ce. 

Joseph. Indeed! I thought that honor was only granted to the 
highest nobility of the Duchy. 

Pergola. Preciselv. I am ai) honorable member of that class. 

All. You! 

Pergola. Yes ! and 1 am none the prouder for it. 

Joseph. And pray, what position do you now occupy ? 

Pergola. That of Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

Joseph. Grand Master of Ceremonies! 

Pergola. Yes ... fortunately, however, my tenn of office will 
soon expire. It began at twelve o'clock and will linish at tw^o . . . 
unless, in the meantime, I contrive to be slandered and sent in exile! 

Daverna. Nay, Signor, you are jesting. 

Pergola. I never was more serious. 1 am deputed to call on the 
Victor, lead him in triumph to the Grand Duke, crown him, and 
have his name proclaimed throughout the Dukedom ; so, in all 
l)robability, my dear Signor Joseph, I shall be the herald of your 
fame. 

Joseph. 1 doubt not but you would rather proclaim Carra- 
vaggio's. 

Pergola. AVhy ? 

Joseph. He is your favorite. 

Pergola. True, I will not conceal that my best wishes are for his 
success . . . Had you but seen him as I have, balancing between 
glory and love, honor and liberty, breaking a statue, his master- 
piece, that they might not violate his right as a man and an artist. 
. . . Had you seen him, his brain wild with genius, and his heart 
trembling with fear and love ; then, only then, would you have 
known the true artist ! But justice comes first . . . You are a noble- 



THE ARTIST AND THE KOBLEMAN. 19 

man, Carravaggio is a plebeian, the plebeian should deserve the 
prize, the nobleman should be awarded it. Were it not so, would 
it be worth the while of a nobleman to be born? 

Joseph. Your bitter sarcasms are ungenerous, Signor Pergola ! 
When I, a nobleman, consented to compete with plebeians, my 
thirst for glory impelled me, and besides, I thought I honored the 
exhibition with my name. 

Pergola. Indeed, in the name of the artists, I thank you for the 
honor your lordship conferred on them ; but you have not revealed 
all : there is another and worthier prize, unknown to any but 
you .... 

Joseph. Can you imagine . . . . ? 

Pergola. I do not compel you to acknowledge it. Besides, not 
only is Carravaggio your rival in art, but also in love . . . the hand 
of Leontia .... 

Daverna. The Grand Duke's niece ! 

S/HnellL The pearl of Milan ! 

Pergola. Do I not know it ? I, a bachelor and a connoisseur ; T, 
who have already said to Signor D' Arpinas : Leontia does not 
love you ; she adores Carravaggio ; if you are victor, she will marry 
you l3y force, but despairing forever. Well, Signori, observe the 
position in which she is placed : her lover will deserve the prize 
without obtaining it ; he, whom she abhors, will not deserve it, but 
will be awarded it, and will marry her ; if anything else were to 
happen, things would go as they should, and of course that would 
be against all the rules of common sense ! 

Joseph. Signor Pergola, I know not the object of your satires ; 
if to test my patience and courage, may I say that I have proved 
you my patience, because we were in the Grand Duke's palace, but, 
if you wish, I can give you elsewhere proofs of my courage ! 

Pergola. [Aside.] What ails him ! 'Pon my life, I believe he is 
angry ! I did not think he was capable of it. [Aloud and rather 
ironically.] My dear friend, if I wished to have a duel, I would 
say, candidly, 1 feel like cutting your throat ! It is a mere caprice, 
but yet, you would have to indulge me in it . . . But such an idea 
has never entered my brain; on the contrary, your presence in this 
palace is necessary to me ; you are the Grand Duke's favorite, so 
you are the only one I can ridicule, excepting the Grand Duke 
himself; but, as he is just and good, that is impossible ... I cannot 
live without jesting on somebody, so if you were to disappear, 
there would be something missing ! . . . I really see but one way by 
which to silence me ! 

.Joseph. What is it ? 

Pergola. Offend his Highness and lose your position, in which 
case, I should attack your successor. 

Joseph. [In a rather affected tone.] Your amiable wit and satire 
inspire neither hatred nor anger. 



20 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Pergola. Such is my character, ever §inee the OrdtM' of Malta 
has placed me among the happiest and most free of mortals, 

Davenia. You! free! You, a Knight of Malta, submitted to the 
rules of the Order , . . . ! 

Pergola. That gives me entire liberty . . . When scarcely old 
enough to be my own master, my relations made me obey them . . . 
1 wislied to be a spendthrift, and was compelled to be miserly ; T 
would have had a mistress, and received orders to marry where I 
did not love. Then I joined the Order and swore to remain poor, 
out of compassion for my creditors ; chaste, to avoid the dangers of 
matrimony : obedient, that 1 might throw off the yoke of my rela- 
tions; since then, 1 have borrowed without being compelled to 
return ; I obey laws but not caprices, and T may love any numbei- 
of ladies, without binding myself to any . . . Ah ! Signori, believe 
me, if you would be free, follow my example, swear obedience, be 
Knights of Malta . . . But, if I mistake not, the Orand Duke ap- 
proaches, and my new position demands that 1 should be beside 
him. \ExU and 're/urns at once v:Uh Grand Duke. 

\Enter Leo annonncing] The Grand Duke ! [E.i/iL 

Enter Grand Dvke and Pergola. 

Duke. Heaven guard you, Signori ! [To Pergola. j Signor, 
bring in our presence the Judges. [Exit PERt;oLA.] [AKide to 
Joseph.] Fear not, justice has, no doubt, pointed you out as the 
Victor. 

Joseph. \Ai<ide.'\ Heaven grant that it be so ! 
Re-enter Pergola ivith Bomba and Judges. Pergola rftnrns- 
beside the Grand Duke., who places himself on a, platform at 
hack centre of the stage. 

Dnke. Signori, wdiat is the result of your deliberation ? 

Bomha. Your Highness, among all the masterpieces that the most 
celebrated painters in Europe have sent to the exhibition, but one 
has been unanimously named as the superior; that of Michael 
Angelo Carravaggio. 

All. Carravaggio ! 

Joseph. \ Aside.] He has conquered .... I 

Duke. [Aside.\ Poor Joseph . . . . ! 

Pergola. Justice is done, your Highness ! 

Duke. You have my orders ; Signori, follow Signor Pergola, 
Grand Master oi' Ceremonies. I desire that my entire Court render 
liomage to the Victor of so many renowned artists. So, Signori, 
go. [7m a whisper.] Joseph, stay. . . . 

\All hut Joseph how and exeunt. 

.Joseph. {After a moment?s j)ause.\ Has your Highness any orders 
to give me ? 

Duke. No, not orders, but words of consolation and hope. 



THE ARTIST AND lllK NOBLKMAN. 21 

Joseph. Hope ! There is none for me . . . Unable to obtain the 
prize, even with your protection, I am undone. See, the mob 
rushes to Carravaggio, whose only talent is in producing striking 
ettects, and these seduce the vulgar. The Judges themselves fell 
into the snare: and then, what Judges did you choose! 

Duke. The only competent to be found . . . Artists. 

Joseph. The only partial : followers, pupils of Carravaggio. You 
should have named to that olfice Noblemen : they would not have 
awarded the prize to the son of a mason. 

Duke. Joseph, you know the love I bear you, but my affection 
is not blind enough to stifle within me the voice of justice. Once, 
I hoped, as much as yourself, that you would be borne in triumph 
by the Court and people to my palace, that there I might say, in 
the eyes of Europe : I adopt the Victor for my sou ; I will over- 
whelm with honors and wealth the conqueror of numberless re- 
nowned Artists ... Oh ! pity me, Joseph, it would have been so 
joyful had 1 been able to call you my son and give you Leontia's 
hand. 

Joseph. And I, am I not to be pitied? 

Dvkc. You have at least a glorious future before you, the career 
of a soldier is open. 

Joseph. Yes ... . yes, you are right. 

Duke. More than once have 1 desired to send you to my camps ; 
you said you preferred staying by my side ; let that wish no longer 
detain you. Go, combat the enemies of Italy, win for yourself a 
name, and then I will give you mine. You see all is not lost ! 

Joseph. No, but the misery caused by my present defeat, can 
never be forgotten. I love passionately; you yourself approved 
of my choice, when suddenly that odious Carravaggio appeared 
and crossed my love, as he now has my glory. He loves Leontia ; 
his triumph insures their marriage. To-morrow it will take place, 
and, to-morrow, what will become of me? Wounded in my pride, 
despised in my love, and all this misfortune heaped on me by a 
plebeian ! 

Duke. Joseph ! 

Joseph. And, as a final insult, is he not to liecome a Nobleman, 
like me ! for you promised the victor the title of Count ! 

Duke. You and Pergola alone knew of it . . , And it was to you 
T destined it. 

Joseph. And he will be the recipient! \The people outside: 
CARRAVArxGio ! Carravaggio !J The escort approaches, bearing 
my rival in triumph. Ah ! do not exact that 1 should be present 
during the ceremonies. 

Duke. You may retire, but I would see you more calm .... 
» Joseph. More calm ! when everything is lost ! name, glory, love! 
Ah! I no longer trust your Highness's protection ... the love 



22 THK ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. " 

you bear me ... I can put faith but in my misfortune and despair. 
. . . Adieu. \Exit, right. 

Duke. [Alone.] Poor Joseph ! I can understand his grief at the 
loss of the woman he loves, for I lost his mother . . . not through 
the same cause, for my rank was far above hers ; I was called to 
the throne, and elsewhere I could not love ! Alas ! how often have 
1 wept at the thought of my weakness ! !. . . .But here is the es- 
cort . . . Now I must remember that the Grand Duke of Milan is 
but the protector of the arts, and has power but to reward merit 
and talent. \ Goes and sits on jdat form. \ [People^ outside^] Bravo! 
bravo, Carravaggio. [Cf.mnon sliots.] 

Enter Daverna, Spinelli, Pergola, Noblemen, Carravag- 
gio, Judges, Artists and People. 

Pergola. Your Highness, I have the honor to present to you the 
illustrious Michael Angelo Carravaggio, the Victor of the exhibition. 

Duke. Approach, illustrious Carravaggio ! 

CarrcLvaggio. Your Highness. [Boies deejdj/.] 

Duke. Michael Angelo Carravaggio, in the name of Europe, I 
hereby proclaim you the greatest of living joainters ! [Places a 
golden croioii on Carravaggioh head.] 

Carravaggio. Your Highness, I will endeavor from day to day to 
prove more worthy of the honor you bestow on me. 

Duke. I also promised the Victor another reward, one suited to 
his talent and genius, and a greater one I cannot give . . . Michael 
Angelo Carravaggio, I will write down your name in the Golden 
Book of the Highest Nobility of our States, and gird you with 
the sword of a Knight. Carravaggio, the title of Count is yours . . . 
behold it ! [Gives him a pcrper.] 

All. [hi a half iDhisper.] Count ! 

Dave/ma. [ Iron icalli/, in a whisper.] Count! a plebeian ! 

Pergola. Yes, a plebeian ! only a man of genius ! 

Carravaggio. Fear nothing, signori, I know my ov.'n value . . . 
I refuse . . . . ! 

Duke. Refuse the title of Count ? 

Carravaggio. Certainly ! your Highness, of what use would it be? 

Duke. Nay, it is not useless when deserved ; it will honor you, 
and your crest will be painted on the door of your mansion. 

Carravaggio. If I but know to paint it better than another, I 
care not that it should be mine. 

Duke. But, think you of yourself alone ? When your wife, your 
children, will demand the title, what will you say then? 

Carravaggio. To my children, I would reply : your name is 
Carravaggio. Were they to ask a coronet, I would give them this 
. . . [Points to the crown he has received.] . . . and they will not 
regret that of a Count. 

Daverna. What audacity ! A mason's son ! 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



23 



Carravaggio. True, a mason's son, and one who has not forgot- 
ton from whence he sprung, but proclaims it, and glories in his 
origin ! . . . . Signor, you are but a Knight; with little talent, you 
would gain a Coronet, but I, a mason's son, I must have genius to 
deserve it. Were the title of Count offered yon, you would ac- 
cept it humbly and bear it haughtily; I, I do more; I refuse, 
because, without it, I can render my name illustrious. Count Car- 
ravaggio ! one of these two words is useless, and notwithstanding 
his Highness's honor, I would not change the last for the first. 

Buke. Carravaggio, the little value you attach to one of the 
first titles in our power to bestow, astonishes and grieves me. The 
glory of genius may be equal to that of birth, but both taken to- 
gether, should not be disdained. 

Carravaggio. I was born a plebeian, and will die a plebeian. I 
came not hither to insult the nobility, but to prove that a plebeian 
artist has also his pride. 

Duke. It would be an insult to the nobility were I to insist. 
These papers, bearing your name, are void. [He tears them uj).'] 
I am going to inscribe your refusal in the Golden Book ; heaven 
grant that you never regret it ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, for if ever I did, it would prove that my 
name itself was of no value. 

Duke. I desire that your painting be one of the finest ornaments 
of my palace. I will send and make a price for it. [Carravaggio 
hows.'\ [People, outside. Carravaggio ! Carrrivaggio !J ' The peo- 
ple call you to the balcony. I myself must appear. You do not 
refuse to follow me ? 

Carravaggio. Ah ! of all the honors your Highness has bestowed 
on me, in my eyes this is the greatest. 

Pergola. Make way for His Highness the Grand Duke, and the 
Artist Carravaggio. [All go to hack and disappear on balcony. \ 
[Cries bravo ! bravo ! Cannon shots — a pause.] [Exeunt all. 

Joseph. [Entering by right.] At last they have departed . . . The 
shouts of victory pursue me everywhere ; I lied from the palace 
that I might not witness his triumph ; yet, in the streets, in the 
squares, everywhere, I heard them utter the hateful name of Car- 
ravaggio. I see Leontia, her eyes beaming with joy, come hither 
to congratulate him . . .Leontia ! to lose in a day her hand and my 
title as the Grand Duke's son . . . To remain a Knight, and see him 
him a Count, standing above me in rank . . . nearer to the Ducal 
throne . . . and can I endure this?. . . No, never, never! woe, woe, 
to him ! 

Re-enter Daverna, Spinelli, and Noblemen from balcony. 
Daverna. Well, Signor Joseph, do you not run to see the Grand 
Duke embrace your rival, and he giving his hand to the fair 
Leontia ? 



24 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Joseph. She . . . Already beside him ! . . . And, no doubt, he 
already glorifies in his title of Count? 

All. He rejected it. 

Joseph. Rejected it! ! 

Baverna. Yes . . . With the pride of a Nobleman ... He acted as 
if he feared to degrade himself 

• Joseph. Rejected it ! . . . One triumph for me : but that does nijt 
suffice, he has insulted me. 

Daverna. Certainly; you are fortunate, Signor, in having personal 
motives of hatred against Carravaggio . . . Were I in your jtlace he 
should pay dearly for the insult he has cast on the Nobility. 

Joseph. What would you do ? 

Daverna. He should not marry Leontia. 

Joseph. But how prevent the marriage ? 

Daverna. Very simply ... By a duel. . . . 

All. Yes, yes, a duel ! 

Daverna. A Nobleman against a plebeian ! Has not the latter 
alreadv lost the game ? Do the rabble know how to fight ? 

Joseph. Yes . . . Yes . . . Well ... Yes ! ... A duel ! . . . I'll call 
him out. 

Enter Pergola. 

Pergola. Ah ! I breathe at last ! Signori, no more Usher to 
announce me, no more Grand Duke or Judges to escort: two 
o'clock has struck, I am henceforth nothing. 

Joseph. Then everything is over. 

Pergola. Thank heaven ! The Grand Duke has entered his 
rooms to prepare for a ride, and there only remains Carravaggio, 
surrounded by the Artists, who overv.dielm him with congratulations 
and give him an unceremonious greeting, that is well worth the 
pomp and triumph of the first . . . He, modest and calm, blushes at 
their praise, while Leontia, prouder than he ... . 

Joseph. What? Is Ijcontia with him? 

Pergola. Certainly ; and, in a week, they will be man and 
wife. 

Joseph. Tn a week ! 

Pergola. Here they come. See. Signori, see ! How beautiful is 
the triumph of genius ! \To Joseph.] Signor, is it not a charming 
sight? 

Joseph. l^Aslde.'] Ah ! they insult me even in this palace ! 
Enter Carravaggio and Leontia. 

Leontia. You see, Augelo, my presentiment did not deceive me. 
Tiet us go and thank the Grand Duke. 

Joseph. [Stepping between them.'] Excuse me, Signora, if I inter- 
rupt your conversation, but I must sjDeak at once to Signor 
Carravaggio. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



25 



Carravaggio. To me ! . . . You have chosen an unlucky tirao 
Signor . . . To-morrow ... If you will .... 

Joseph. The conversation cannot be deferred. 

Pergola. \ Ironically.] What? Do you wish to bargain for his 
picture ? 

Leontia. But, Signor Joseph .... 

Carravaggio. Come, it is useless to waste, in refusing, the time i 



in 



which we might listen. [To Pergola, 'pointing to Leontia.] Sig- 
nor, will you .... 

Pergola. Certainly ; it is my profession. Sigisbseus was of the 
Order of Malta. [Takes Leontia's hand.\ 

Leontia. [In a ivhisper to Pergola.] I implore you, Signor, 
let us not leave the room. 

Pergola. Fear not. [Both go to balcony hack. 

Carravaggio. I listen, Signor Joseph. 

Joseph. You no doubt suspect the motive of our conversation ? 

Carravaggio. No ; on my honor .... 

Joseph. Then you do not know what are love and hatred ; what 
it is to see the woman I love in the power of the man I abhor? 
Know you not how bitter is the envy of the Artist joined to the 
jealousy of the Lover? Ah ! you think you will be happy ! No ; 
hope it' not. To reach the altar, there remains but one step... 
There you may stumble yet . . . ! 

Carravaggio. Signor "Joseph, I never quailed before a threat ; 
you must act, not "talk. Did you think that your words would 
make me renounce Leontia ? 

Joseph. Whatever means I may use to compel you to, if you 
refuse .... 

Carravaggio. Not so loud . . .We will be overheard. 

Joseph. What care I .... ! 

Da;verna. [In a whisper to Joseph.] So, he escapes you ! You 
let him go .... ! 

Carravaggio. Has Signor Joseph anything more to say ? 

Joseph. Yes ... I had a proposal to make you, but it is useless ; 
you have no sword at your side. 

Carravaggio. No ; as a useless bauble, I prefer a golden chain. 

Joseph. And therefore you refused the sword of Knight that the 
Grand Duke offered you. What use would it have been to you ? 

Carravaggio. Signor Joseph, I am very patient ; I am master of 
myself enough to respect the presence of a lady, which you alone 
forget ; but at some later day, and elsewhere, you shall explain 
your words. 

Daverna. [^sic^e to Joseph.] Irritate him more and more ! 

Joseph. Carravaggio, you demand an explanation, and I will give 
it at once, before all ; I have insulted you because I despise you ; 



26 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

and though the glove of a Knight be yet too noble for the face of a 
plebeian, I throw it at you. [Throws his glove. \ 

Nohlemen. Well done! Bravo! 

Carravaggio. Wretch ! \Is about to spring on Joseph, htit is 
held back.] 

Daverna. Stay ... In the Grand Duke's palace . . . . ! 

Re-enter Leontia and Pergola. 

Carravaggio. In her presence ! . . . Oh ! all your blood will not 
suffice to wash out that insult ! D' Aquinas, I have not the glove 
of a Knight to throw back, but my arm will give you a reply. 

Leontia. [Coming doion.'] Well, Angelo, is your conversation at 
an end? 

Carravaggio. Yes ... for the moment . . . My friend, Signor 
Pergola . . . will please make all arrangements .... 

Enter Soldi. 

Soldi. [Announcing.] His Highness, the Grand Duke. [Exit. 
Pergola. The Grand Duke! [To the Noblemen.] Silence! 

Enter Grand Duke. 

Duke. We are starting for the grand triumphal ride throughout 
the Corso ; Carravaggio will sit on our right. Come, niece, you 
will accompany us. 

Carravaggio. I thank your Highness, and will follow you. [Aside 
to Pergola. J Signor, if you are really my friend 

Pergola, I understand ; trust in me. 

[Exeunt Duke, Leontia, Carravaggio. 

Pergold. Signori, I will be second to my friend Carravaggio. 
We will meet to-morrow. 

Joseph and All. To-morrow ! 

{Curtain falls.) 



ACT III. 

Carravaggio's Studio — the picture of the exhibition on the right. 

Stefano. [Alone, lying on a sofa.] Daylight at last ! and my 
brother not yet returned. Oh! how I suffered as I counted each 
minute that has elapsed during the long, long night ! . . . Where can 
he be ? ... In the Ducal palace, or with his friend Pergola ? . . . He 
should at least have sent me word ; but then, he was no doubt so 
happy that he forgot his poor Stefano ... I was present at his 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 27 

triumph ; the people greeted him with the wildest applause, and I 
proudly repeated, I, I am his brother ... A few lads wished to carry 
rae in triumph ; I was modest enough to avoid this popular ovation. 
[Slylrj.] Angelo might have been jealous ... Oh ! how happy he 
must have been, if he felt but half as joyful as myself. 

Enter Pergola. 

Pergola. I am in the greatest uneasiness .... 

Stefano. [Running to him.] Signor Pergola, where have you left 
my brother? 

Pergola. Your brother ! I have not seen him since his triumphal 
promenade through the Corso. I came hither to inform him of the 
arrangements I have made. 

Stefano. Alas ! my brother has not returned, and I have spent 
the night in waiting for him ; but I thought him with you, and was 
therefore calmer. 

Pergola. [Aside.] It is strange ! And I thought him at home ! 

Stefano. Oh ! if I believe my presentiments, some great misfor- 
tune threatens him! 

Pergola. Child ! why such thoughts ? Let us lose no time ; run 
to his favorite pupil, Signor Gambatti, and ask if he has met him. 
Your brother was to have visited him after the triumphal march. 
Go!... Go....! 

Stefano. You, in the meanwhile, remain here. I will soon return. 

[Exit. 

Pergola. [Alone.] Carravaggio has not spent the night at home ! 
. . . Where can he be ? I know not ! I sent his brother to Gam- 
batti, I know not why. Where has he spent the night? After 
that insult, he could not have left Milan, I am sure. . . . 

Enter Leontia, veiled, Beatrice, at hack of stage. 

Leontia. You here, Signor Pergola 1 

Pergola. Yes, Signora. 

Leontia. Where is Signor Carravaggio ? 

Pergola. [Aside.] There, the very question I was about to 
ask ! 

Leontia. You are silent ! Are the rumors I hear true ? 

Pergola. [Aside.] What shall I say ? I should not speak 
false ! ... I am of the Order of Malta ! 

Leontia. Well, Signor, why refuse to tell me where Signor Car- 
ravaggio now is ? 

Pergola. For the best of all reasons ... I don't know myself. 

Leontia. I do not believe you. 

Pergola. [Aside.] There ! that's answering like a lady to 
whom I would swear eternal fidelity ! [Aloud.] I assure you, 
Signora, that since yesterday morning, Carravaggio has not returned 
home. 



28 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Leontia. Well, he soon will, for he cannot fight without your 
assistance, you being his second, and I will not let you depart. 

Pergola. Ah ! Then I am a prisoner ! Of a young lady, too ! 
A nice position for a Knight of Malta ! So be it; I will wait with 
you, Signora, till Carravaggio returns ; and then, what do you 
expect of him ? 

Leontia. He will listen to me ! 

Pergola. No doubt; but you cannot, must not change his 
determination, 

Leontia. He shall listen to me, T tell you . . . He loves me . . . To 
endanger his life, would be but to imperil mine . . . He would not 
kill me ! 

Pergola. [Aside.] She is mad, upon my word. 

Leontia. You do not answer ; you appear not to believe me ; but 
speak ; tell me that he will not fight ; tell me so, for pity's sake, 
tell me so, Signor. 

Pergola. Signora, though you may doubt my word, I assure yon 
that I know as much of love as yourself. I have made a study of 
it, in all the civilized and uncivilized parts of the world ... In 
France, it is a game of stratagems ; in Spain, a religion ; in Italy, 
a Vendetta; in England, a duty; in Germany, a mere matter of 
sentiment ; in Asia and Africa, a commerce ; in America, a mixture 
of all. It appears that in Milan it is delirium and madness ! . . . 
Come, come, Signora, be more reasonable, and listen .... 

Leontia. No; silence, silence, Signor. 

Pergola. Nay, you must listen to me, for I am not about to 
declare my love. No ! I am one of the Order of Malta ... 1 con- 
fess that Carravaggio is about to fight. 

Leontia. I know it, and will prevent this duel. 

Pergola. You have said so already ; but, in turn, may I tell you 
that the man who refuses to give satisfaction is either a fool or a 
coward . . . You must let Carravaggio prove that he is neither. 

Leontia. Signor, I have revealed to you my determination — it 
cannot be shaken ; but you can still be of great service to me. 

Pergola. With all my heart, Signora. 

Leontia. Name the time and place of the duel, and swear on 
your faith as a Knight of Malta, that you do not speak false ; then, 
I will leave you, and not await Carravaggio. 

Pergola. Signora, the conditions were made during my absence 
... I am unable to tell you .... 

Leontia. Ah ! you are, as ever, pitiless ! You refuse to lead me 
to Angelo ... To name the hour of the duel, that I may pray for 
him . . . Well, I leave you, you who are insensible to my tears ; I 
leave you, you who can pity no grief; others, kinder men, shall tell 
me what you conceal. I will go even to D'Arpinas, if it must be 
so ; will track him, will follow him to the field, and you may tell 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 29 

Carravaggio that it is Leontia's heart that he threatens with his 
sword. Adieu, adieu, unworthy Knight ! [Exit. 

Pergola. \ Alone.] There ! go and marry to have such scenes 
before the wedding ! Were I not a Knight of the Order of Malta, 
what has just taken place would make me turn one at once!. . . 
Poor Leontia ! Poor Carravaggio ! Where can he be? [Striking 
his forehead.] Were he absent at the hour fixed upon for the duel 
I might think that D'Arpinas had carried him ofl" last night to 
prevent the light ... In which case, I would take his place . . . 
Hark ! I hear steps ; it is Carravaggio ! . . . How pale he is! . . . 
Could any accident have happened? 

Enter Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. Ah! you here, Signor! 

Pergola. I awaited you impatiently. How fatigued you look ! 

Carravaggio. Because, since yesterday I have been watching 
Joseph : now at last I am certain he will not escape me ! 

Pergola. What say you ? Could he have attempted to leave the 
city ? 

Carravaggio. I was unable to have the duel take place this 
morning ; under different pretexts, D'Arpinas' seconds avoided 
fixing any definite time, and I spent the night under Joseph's win- 
dows . . . The whole night his rooms w-ere brilliantly lit . . . At last, 
at daybreak, fatigued and exhausted, I boldly entered the mansion, 
met D'Arpinas, insulted him, and made him promise to meet me 
here two hours hence. This time he will come. 

Pergola. Let us hope he will keep his word. 

Carravaggio. Oh ! I did not leave him thus without any guar- 
antee ; a score of Noblemen were present when he gave his word, 
and all engaged themselves not to let him escape. Of twenty, one 
will no doubt have as much honor as a mason's son, since it is thus 
they have named me. 

Pergola. I think so too; let us M^ait ; but, I have something 
painful to tell you, and yet .... 

Carravaggio. Ah ! speak, friend ; no greater misfortune can 
befall me than to see the sun rise and still have to delay my 
vengeance. 

Pergola. Well, Signora Leontia has just left me. 

Carravaggio. Leontia ! 

Pergola. Yes; and I was compelled to witness her tears and 
despair in silence. Frankly, I require a duel to calm me ! 

Carravaggio. And now, where is she? 

Pergola. She said she was going to look for younger and more 
amiable Noblemen than myself. . . . 

Carravaggio. Then she has learnt all I Ah ! good heavens ! may 
she not return I 



30 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBI-EMAN. 



1 



. Pergola. But she will, and soon. Come, take ray advice, let us 
leave to avoid meeting her, for really it hurts my feelings, — I, a 
Knight of Malta, — think what it would yours, you, who are her 
betrothed . . . . ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, yes; let us go to D'Arpinas at once ! But 
stay, I would embrace my brother . . . Perhaps for the last time! 

Pergola. I thought you were with Signor Gambatti, and I sent 
him thither. 

Carravaggio. Poor Stefano! I must leave without embracing 
him, and in two hours he may be twice orphaned ! Ah ! never 
mind ! Come, come ! 

Enter Leontia. 

Pergola. Leontia ! I knew it ! 

Carraimggio. Heavens ! Leontia ! 
. Leontia. Where were you going, Signor Carravaggio? Would 
you avoid my presence ? 

Carravaggio. Ah ! can you imagine . . . . ? 

Leontia. I come to ask of you a moment's conversation ... with 
Signor Pergola's permission. 

Ptrgola. It appears, Siguora, that my presence is not required 
daring that conversation : yet, the confidant of your love . . . Your 
common friend .... 

Leontia. {Interrupt Ing liim.^ Will greatly oblige us by not 
remaining any longer. 

Pergola. \Asi(le to Carravaggio.] You see, she is determined. 
[Alond.^ I obey, Signora, and w^ill leave you with Signor Carra- 
vaggio. {Aside to Carravaggio.] I will not go far hence. 
[Aloud.'] Adieu, Signora. [Aside.'] That young lady will end 
by hating me . . . Fortunately, I am resigned, being a Knight of 
Malta. [Exit. 

Carravaggio. [Af^ide.] Heavens! What will she say ? 

Leontia. Carravaggio, however grateful I may be to Signor Per- 
gola, I desired to be alone with you. It was the will of my heart 
. . . Have I been wrong ? 

Carravaggio. My Leontia, is not a meeting between us alw^ayg 
delightful to me ? 

Leontia. Yes, I beheve you; Angelo, T wished to be alone with 
you, that I might speak openly of the happiness in store for us. 

Carravaggio. [Aside.] The happiness in store for us ! 

Leontia. And I hastened to announce that, yielding to my 
prayers, the Grand Duke, my guardian, has consented to advance 
the day of our marriage; this very afternoon our union will take 
place. 

Carravaggio. This afternoon ! 

Leontia. My bridal dress is ready ... Do you not share my joy, 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. ol 

my happiness? This afternoon, Angelo, this very afternoon we 
will be man and wife. 

Carravagglo. [J,si;/f.] Ah! what shall I reply ? 

Leonti't. What ails you ? Your countenance does not betoken 
happiness, but rather terror! Yes, I read terror in every feature! 
. . . Carravaggio, in the name of our love ! . . . What ails you .... 

Carravagglo. 0\\\ nothing, nothing! My Leontia, this news 
was so sudden .... So unexpected .... I thought that in a 
week .... 

Leontia. Seek not to deceive me any longer. I know all . . . 
They have told me everything. Angelo, in an hour you are to fight 
with D'Arpinas ! 

Carravagglo. No, no ; you have been deceived .... 

Leontia. Then, why blush at your having concealed it? Why 
those tears that roll down your cheeks? Angelo, are you not to 
fight in an hour? Then, you care not when our wedding takes 
])lace! Then, that marriage for Avhich you prayed so ardently 
has no value in your eyes ! Then, you no longer love mo .... !. 

Carravaggio. What, Leontia ! I, 1 ! not love you . . . . ! 

Leontia. If you do, why this coldness, this silence . . . Angelo! 
. . . Ah ! for pity's sake, explain, for 1 know not if the misfortune 
of seeing your life threatened be greater than the loss of your 
love. 

Carravagglo. Well, yes; at noon I am to fight. 

Leontia. Then it is true ! 

Carravagglo. And now, no happiness is in store for me till I have 
washed out that insult !. . . But, what you just said . . . That his 
Highness had advanced the day of our union, it was to discover my 
secret, was it not ? 

Leontia. No, no ! It was not a subterfuge ! ... In a few hours 
our relations and friends will lead us to the altar. You would have 
spurned my prayers, my entreaties, but when you will see before 
you the priest, when you will see your bride, radiant with happiness 
and love, ah ! then will you lly from her ? Oh ! speak ; tell me that 
your Leontia's heart has found at last the means of preventing this 
fatal duel. • 

Carravaggio. What! Leontia, can it be true that your love 
invented this cruel stratagem ! . . . But know you not that this duel 
. . . My honor exacts it ! I must fight with Joseph, and you must 
ever love me ! Shame is on my brow ! I blushed in presence of 
the entire Court when D'Arpinas, the coward, insulted me ... I 
blush in your presence : I blush even when I think of it ! And 
you, you forbid my being revenged ! . . . Would you not wish me to 
live ? Would you not have me to be your husband ? 

Leontia. My husband ! 

Carravaggio. No, you cannot ! For how could I offer you a 



32 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



hand that could not avenge an insult ! Give you a name, even the 
glory of which would not make amends for the lost honor ; how 
could I press your lips, after my brow had been stamped with 
shame by the glove of a Nobleman. Ah ! I would die with anger 
and shame at your first embrace. 

Lcontia. Angelo, you love me not ! 

Carravaggio. Ah [ Leontia . . . I ! not love you ! Look, look, I 
weep . . . And over you ! . . . Over that happiness that was in store 
for me, and that in an hour I may lose forever ! 

Leontia. No! . . . You must not light. We will fly from hence, 
if we must ; we will change our name, — have neither family nor 
country ; but we will live for each other, and in my presence only 
you will not blush. 

Carravaggio. And shall T teach my brother cowardice? 

Lcontia. Your brother will be mine ! He will accompany us, 
and I will tell him that it was I who wished it . . . That you made 
the sacrifice to my love, and that I cherish you a thousand times 
more for it ! 

Carravaggio. Leontia, I implore you . . . Eenounce this \n-o- 
ject ! 

Leontia. No, no ! Do you think that I could live to hear the 
result of this duel? . . . Every minute of expectation would be an 
eternity of torture ! My blood would freeze in my veins, and when 
you would return to me a Victor, you would find me mad, or a 
corpse . . . Yes, a corpse ... If you must fight, Angelo, kill me . . . 
Oh ! for pity's sake, kill me ere you leave .... 

Carravaggio. Leontia ! . . . Leontia ! your tears, your prayers 
. . . Oh! leave me, leave me ; 1 will not gaze on you, 1 cannot listen 

. . My love 
Adieu .... 1 

Leontia. \0}i her knees. \ Angelo! oh! I implore you, by the 
love you once bore me ... . 

Carravaggio. Adieu ! . . . One word, and you would make me as 
cowardly as D'Arpinas ! . . . No, no ! I will not be a coward ! 
Never! \E.vit hurriedly. 

Leontia. [Alone., still kneeling. \ Oh ! I implore you, Angelo, my 
beloved ! [Raises her head.] Gone ! . . . He has left me . . . But I 
will hasten . . . My strength fails me. [Leans on arm-chair. | He 
has left me ! repulsed me ! Ah ! Vengeance ! wdiat a passion thou 
art, for thou even hast made him forget my love ! . . . xVnd now, 
what shall I do? What will become of me? . . . They will change 
the scene of the duel, lest I should be present ! [FaJls on her knees.] 
0, Holy Virgin, my patron, inspire me, that I may prevent this 
duel ! ... Oh ! thanks ! . . . Thanks ! [Rises.] I am inspired !. . . 

[Exit hurriedly by left. 



THE AfttlST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 33 

Stefano enters mournfully hy right. 

Sfefano. T have Cralled on Signor Gambatti ; he was not at home. 
I ran all over the town, and have not heard any news from my 
brother. Alas ! what has become of him ? [Weeps.] But stay, 
he may have returned during my absence, for Signor Pergola 
promised to wait ray return. [Goes to a windoio at left.] 

Carravaggio enters by right. 

Carravaggio. I have seen Pergola; he has promised to bring 
hither Josejih and his seconds. 

Stefano. [Turning.] Brother! dear brother ! [Throics himself 
in his ar7ns.] Oh! how cruel it was in you to cause me all this 
uneasiness ! . . . Here you are at last ! . . . All my grief is forgotten. 
I only think of embracing you . . . . ! 

Carravaggio. Dear Stefano, believe that I suffered as much as 
you at the uneasiness I caused ! [Aside.] Oh ! may this uneasiness 
be the last . . . . ! 

Stefano. What ails you, Angelo, your countenance betokens a 
misfortune. 

Carravaggio. [Aside.] I have said too much ! 

Stefano. You are silent ! 

Carravaggio. Because I know I am about to cause you grief. 

Stefano. Speak, speak ; your silence kills me . . . What, no 
answer ? Do you no longer love me ? 

Carravaggio. I ! [Evibracing him convidsioely.] 

S'efano. Well, then I must have committed some great fault, that 
I render you so uneasy, and no doubt you left me alone to punish 
me ; pardon me, brother, I will make amends, and be twice as 
obedient and loving. 

Carravaggio. Your fault! Y''ou ! the most obedient and loving 
of brothers. No, you have not acted wrongly ; what grieves me is 
that a momentary separation must take place betwixt us . . . You 
are still too young to understand the cause. 

Stefano. Too young ! Am I too young to love you and share 
your troubles ? 

Carravaggio. The peculiar position in which I am now placed, 
compels me to entrust you to the care of my friend Gambatti, 
and you will stay with him till Signor Pergola comes for you. 

Stefano. Signor Gambatti was not at home. 

Carravaggio. He is now ; go to him .... 

Stefano. But Angelo, can I know .... 

Carravaggio. [Rather harshly.] Come, Stefano, will vou obey 
me? 

Stefano. Oh ! brother, you never spoke to me so harshly before ! 

Carravaggio. Because I never felt as I do now. 



34 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Stefano. Well, Angelo, I will obey . . .Without oven understand- 
ing the motive of the sacrifice you exact of me. 

Carravaggio. Adieu, Stefano. \Einbraees Idm. Stefano goes 
slowly to door at left, Carravaggio folloios him with his eyes ; 
having reached the door, Stefano turns, and hoth, hy a spontaneous 
movement, fall in each other'' s arms.^ 

Stefano. [Tearing himself aioay.] Adieu, Angelo, Adieu! 

[Exit hurriedly. 

Carravaggio. [Wiping away his tears. \ Gone! at last ! It was 
but time ! 

Pergola, Joseph, Daverna, Spinelli, Noblemen, entering 
hy left. 

Pergola. Come in, come Signori ; there is no one present. 

Carravaggio. [Joyfully.] Ah! at last! Joseph D'Arpinas, 
twenty-four hours have elapsed since the insult . . . Twenty-four 
hours ! Do you hear ? . . . And still you live ! 

Joseph. Our seconds had to change the locality chosen for the 
duel . . . The crowd had already taken possession of it. 

Carravaggio. Now, we are amongst ourselves . . . These NobJe- 
raen have witnessed the outrage, they must also witness the repara- , 
tion ; I'll brook no more delay. 

Pergola. Yes; this room is a good scene for a duel; plenty 
space, fine light, and above all, no danger of being sun-struck. 

Carravaggio. [Taking a sioord from Pergola's /^rtwcZ.J Are you 
ready Joseph D'Arpinas ? 

Daverna. Carravaggio, have you reflected on what you are 
about to do? You, whose hand never felt the weight of a sword. 

Carravaggio. Ah ! my sword will be light enough to find its way 
to your heart. 

Daverna. But, do you not fear .... 

Carravaggio. What? Who fears, when his honor is to be 
revenged ! . . . D'Arpinas, draw and defend yourself! 

Joseph. Carravaggio, I should have warned you of the danger 
you ran by a duel with me. But now, I am ready ; let us depart. 

Carravaggio. Depart !. . . Not a step ! . . . Here, here ! at once ! 
In presence of all ! 

Josejjh. Here ! 

Carravaggio. Yes ! I am weary of the delay ! Joseph, draw, or 
with the hilt of my sword .... [Threatens him.] 

Joseph. One step more and you are lost. [They fight.\ 

Pergola. Silence, Signori. 

Da.verna. Some one is coming. 

Carravaggio. Well ! even in presence of the Grand Duke, will 
I wash out that insult. [They fight. \ 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 35 

« 

The same — Enter Ludgi and guards. 

LuJgi. In the name of his Highness, I command you to cease 
fighting, and hand me your swords. 

Carravaggio. What do you wish ? 

Ludgi. To secure the body of Signor D'Arpinas, for having 
insulted Michael Angelo Carravaggio in the very palace of the 
Grand Duke. 

Joseph. I ! Arrested ! 

Ludgi. Here is the order. \Readhng.'\ " I, the Grand Duke of 
Milan, according to the laws of the Golden Book, forbid all manner 
of duel between the two adversaries, Joseph D'Arpinas being a 
Nobleman, and Carravaggio a Plebeian ! " 

Carravaggio. Good God ! 

Ludgi. (Reading.] " And I hereby command Joseph D'Arpinas 
to obey these commands, under the penalty of seeing his name 
erased forever from the book of the Nobility, and his coat of arms 
shattered by the executioner." — Signed the Grand Duke. 

Carravaggio. What have I heard !. . . D'Arpinas, if you are not 
the most cowardly of men, you will not obey this order. 

Joseph. I have sworn on receiving the sword of a Knight, to 
yield to m.y sovereign's commands. 

Carravaggio. You also swore to wear that sword as a Nobleman 
should . . . And now you dishonor it. 

Joseph. My sovereign has spoken, and it is with regret that I 
must obey. 

Carravaggio. Coward ! Then you are a coward ! 

Joseph. [Ironicall//.] Carravaggio, you who refused a title of 
Count without knowing its value, you think not of what it is to see 
one's crest shattered by the executioner. 

Carravaggio. \L-o)rically.\ True! You prefer your crest to 
your honor ! You dare not become a true Nobleman by losing your 
rank . . . Still you know that I must have your life, or you mine. 

Ludgi. We have received orders to prevent this duel. 

Carravaggio. Ah ! how audacious was your master if he thought 
his power could prevent it. [To the guards.] And you, you are 
too rash to have undertaken such a mission. Know you not that 
he threw his glove in my face. 
. Lndgi. Signor D'Arpinas, be pleased to follow me, and you too, 
Signori ; it is the will of our sovereign. 

Joseph. I obey. \ Bores. \ 

Carravaggio. [Springing on Joseph.] You shall not! 

. Ludgi. [Drawing his stcord.\ Make way for the law ! [The 

Noblemen stand aside and let Joseph pass by.] 

Carravaggio. [ Wishing to rush 07i them.] Cowards! 

Pergola. [Holding him back.] Silence ! [In a vjhisper.] I will 
avenge you ... I swear it ! 



30 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Carravaggio. Well ! depart ! Leave, cowardly and shameless 
Joseph D'Arpinas ; and you too, Noblemen whom I despise ; you, 
sbiri, whom 1 pity . . . But tremble! . . . They will not let us fight ! 
Well, I'll murder him! \All exeunt hut Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. [Alone and furious. \ A daggeT, a dagger, for I 
cannot use my sword . . . No, this carbine. \Takes it do^on.^^ This 
will be more certain ; every day will I watch for him, however long 
it may be ; and when at length I see him, side by side with the Grand 
Duke, surrounded by a brilliant suit of courtiei^, when his heart, 
closed to honor, will open to love, when on the very steps of the 
altar he is about to receive the hand of his betrothed, and all Milan 
looks on him with an eye of envy, then, then, I shall take aim with 
a firm hand and he shall die ! [Lays doion the carbine. \ 
Enter Grand Duke and Soldi. 

Soldi. [Announcing.] His Highness, the Grand Duke! 

Carravaggio. The Grand Duke ! 

Duke. Carravaggio, I have learnt with grief Avhat has taken 
place, and if you respect not my rank, but my age, I implore you 
to forget that insult ... I need not explain the motive for my 
presence here . . . You know the true one. Were you not to grant 
my request, they would say that request w^as caused by vile and 
personal ambition... .The hand of my beloved Leontia has been 
promised you ; you may confide in my word. [Smiling.^ We have 
prepared an agreeable surprise for you. 

Carravaggio. Your Highness is too kind ... I know not how to 
thank you . . . But, without losing the respect due your age and 
rank, I would remind your Highness that I have been shamefully 
insulted, and .... 

Duke. My dear Carravaggio, you attach too much importance to 
the follies of a young man, who hardly ever knows what he says 
or does. Besides, I promise to make D'Arpinas apologize in 
presence of the entire Court. 

Carravaggio. But, your Highness, the insult was 

Duke, [interrupting him.] I implore you, my dear Carravaggio, 
let us not think of this to-day. [Smiliiig.] You may, however, 
to-morrow. 

Carravaggio. [Half aside.] Oh ! Leontia ! . . . Leontia ! 

Duke. [S?niling.\ Nay, my dear nephew, everything has been 
determined between my niece and myself. . . But, now, to speak of 
your painting. The place for your masterpiece has been decided 
upon ; it will be hung in the Hall of Honor in my palace ... I do 
not come hither to offer you its true value ; my treasury is near 
exhausted, and I could only set aside for you ten thousand ducats. 

Carravaggio. [With joy aside.] Ah ! I have not lost all hope of 
vengeance ! [Aloud.] Your Highness ... I regret to state that 
you cannot have my painting for that sum. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



37 



Duke. Never have I paid a larger one, yet I am too anxious to 
possess that masterpiece not to increase the amount. 

Carravaggio. Your Highness...! do not ask for gold; ten 
thousand ducats would be too much for my painting ; I sell it to 
your Highness on better conditions for you. 

Duke. What do you dem.and in exchange? 

Carravaggio. The sword of a Knight. 

Duke. What ! a title ! 

Carravaggio. Yes, your Highness ; yesterday, your Highness 
offered me that of a Count, and 1 proudly rejected it ; now, I would 
embrace your knees for the pettiest title in your power to grant. 

Duke. You should have accepted yesterday. 

Carravaggio. I knew not then that a Nobleman alone had the 
right to be a man ; I care not for the title, but 1 claim the rights of 
a man, and I have the heart and will of one, more than any of your 
courtiers. 

Duke. Carravaggio, your present request afflicts me as deeply as 
your past refusal ... I cannot grant it. 

Carravaggio. Y^ou cannot . . . . ! 

Duke. Yoiw refusal is inscribed in the Golden Book ; I have not 
power to erase it. 

Carravaggio. [gradually excited. \ It cannot, must not be ! Am 
I not still worthy of the title I deserved yesterday, because a 
Nobleman insulted me, because your sbiri protected him from my 
revenge. Grand Duke, for pity's sake a sword, a sword, if it be 
but for an hour, only an hour, and I'll devote my life to defend 
you, my heart to love you, my talent to immortalize you — But for 
pity's sake ... A sword — A sword ! \ Throwing Jmnself at 
Grand Duke's feet.\ 

Duke. I cannot ... I repeat, it is no longer in my power 

Carravaggio. \Rlslng wild with furi/.] Ah ! curse on me, curse 
on you, infamous Noblemen, who know but to insult men of honor, 
and are then too cowardly to give satisfaction. Curse!. . . Curse, 
on you, people who suffer without thirsting for vengeance . . . Curse 
on you, Court of Milan, that would leave the stain of insult on the 
brow of a man who loyally claims death or vengeance, that it may 
protect the life of an unworthy Knight ! . . . The name of Joseph 
D'Arpinas, written on your Golden Book, is a stain of infamy ; his 
crest, amidst yours, dims the brilliancy of them all . . . His cow- 
ardly presence in your ranks dishonors them ! 

Duke. Carravaggio ! you forget I am your sovereign ! 

Carravaggio. My sovereign! He exists no more; I have no 
country! my liege is unjust, my country debased...! fly from 
both forever ... I will seek a shelter from the country that has wit- 
nessed the insult ; from the world, from my own thoughts ... I go, 



38 THK ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

T abandon with scorn a blighted land in which there are but slaves 
and courtiers, with neither courage nor honor. [3Ittsic.\ 

Pergola aiid Leontia ente?- at hack with bridal escort. 

Leontia. \In her bridal dress, coming doicn sloiclp.\ Angelo ! . . . 
Husband — . ! 

Carravaggio. What do you wish ? . . . Who are you ? . . . Whom 
seek you here ? 

Leontia. Ah ! my beloved, here are our friends to lead us to the 
altar. 

Carravaggio. No ! No more marriage can take place with this 
debased heart, no more glory can sit on this dishonored brow. 
\ Seeing his sword on the ground.\ Down with that wretched paint- 
ing, the useless work of a hand that has not even power enough to 
be avenged. \Tears picture with his sword, that breaks.] 

Duke. What have you done ! Your painting ! your master- 
piece ! 

Carravaggio. I will henceforth dream of but one ; that I will 
paint with blood. 

Leontia. Angelo ! . . . Husband ! 

Carravaggio. You are widowed. [Points to his broken sword. \ 

Broken ! the plebeian's sword is broken Yes, courtiers who 

feared it so much, behold, it is now a dagger ! Adieu ! 

[Exit hastily. 
( Tableau. — Curtain falls.) 



ACT IV. 

two years after third act. 

A handsome parlor on a level with the gardens. 

Daverna, Joseph, Spinelli, and many Lords entering. 

Josej)h. Y^es, gentlemen, the day I awaited so impatiently has at 
length arrived. The Grand Duke, my generous protector, has 
triumphed over all obstacles ; to obtain Leontia's consent to this 
marriage, he employed all his eloquence and authority as Prince 
and Guardian. 

Daverna. Allow us to congratulate you. Signer, and believe in 
our prayers for your happiness. 

Sjnnelli. We thank you in advance for all the pleasure we expect 
at these ceremonies. 

Joseph. His Highness has given me, with Leontia's hand, these 
gardens and this palace. My bride has forgotten Carravaggio, of 
whom she has not heard for the past two years. 



•THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 39 

Dcbvema. But, how is it that Leontia could ever have fallen in 
love with such a miserable daub! \^Aside.\ Ah! Carravaggio has 
been paid for the few jokes he made on me. 

Joseph. Come, gentlemen, see you not the Prince among those 
young ladies, who are to bear to Leontia the wedding dress and 
jewels I sent her? Let us not draw his Highness's attention from 
these important cares . . . Come, friends, let us go and make prepa- 
rations for the fete^ that its pomp and magnificence may be worthy 
of us. \ Exeunt left. 

Enter the Grand Duke, Beatrice, and some young ladies. The 
Grand Duke enters by right hack, folloioed hy Beatrice 
carrying a bridal wreath on a velvet cushion, OAid some young 
ladies carrying robes and jeicels. 

Duke. How is it. Ladies, that you bring back these robes and 
jewels ? Can the Signora .... \He hesitates.] 

Beatrice. Yes, your Highness, Signora Leontia refused to accept 
them. 

Duke. Impossible ! 

Beatrice. Alas ! your Highness, but too true ! 

Duke. What shall I do? Good heavens! what shall I do? 
Ladies await my orders in the next room. \ Aside. \ Poor Leontia ! 

[ Exeunt ladies by back right. 

Duke. \ Alone. \ She refused them ! Still she had yielded to my 
prayers . . . Now, I fear that my reproaches will not conquer her 
obstinacy , . • Some one approaches ... Ah ! it is Signor Delia 
Pergola ... He no doubt has encouraged Leontia in her refusal, by 
speaking continually of Carravaggio. 

Enter Per(;ola. 

Pergola. Your Highness, I come to ask you to grant me a 
request. 

Duke. You, Signor ! 

Pergola. I astonish your Highness, do I not ? . . . For the last 
two years, ever since the departure of my poor friend Carravaggio, 
I am less inclined than before to solicit your Highness's favors .. .1 
have not even attempted to enliven you as I once did, because . . . 
Because . . . Your behavior has not pleased me as much as formerly 
. . . You prevented my keeping a promise, not of love — for I am a 
Knight of Malta — but of friendship, and I have not forgotten it. 

Duke. What ! Signor, such language ! . . . Addressed to me ... . 

Pergola. I have spoken candidly, as I always did, you know it ; 
and it proves that I would be once more your friend, and that I 
hope a reconciliation may take place between your Highness and 
my humble self. \Boins.] Yes, your Highness, to-day a fete will 
take place — a marriage at your Highness's. Court. I wish to become, 
but only for twenty-four hours, the same jovial companion I once 



40 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



was, and I request of you that I may be re-instated in my former 
functions of Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

Duke. Pergola, are you speaking senously, for I ahvays doubt 
your words . . . and the very tone in which you uttered your de- 
mand .... 

Pergola. I never was more serious, your Highness ; more than 
two years have elapsed in solitude, without robbing my smile, my 
eyes, my words, of that ironical expression they once wore ; but 
l)elieve me, at this moment I am not jesting. I repeat, your High- 
ness, will you re-instate me as Grand Master of Ceremonies ? 

Duke. Were you not, a few days since, greatly opposed to this 
marriage ? 

Pergola. A few days since, I was, but from yesterday, I have 
changed my mind. 

Duke. No doubt, yielding to your advice, Leontia has just refused 
to accept the bridal dress that her future husband sent her. 

Pergola. Well, thanks to my advice, in a few moments hence, 
she will accept it. 

Duke. What do you say ? 

Pergola. I will answer for it. 

Duke. Signor, do not jest any longer. 

Pergola. Your Highness, I assure you that I am serious, though 
a marriage is in question ; and though I am not fond of Signor 
Joseph, yet I \v\\\ speak in his behalf, and am sure I will shake 
Leontia's detennination. 

Duke. Do that, and I will ever be your friend ; and, to begin 
with, I give you charge of the preparations of ceremonies. 

Pergolo. Your Highness, the first thing I must do, is to speak to 
the Signora. 

Duke. She will be here in a moment . . . Think of it . . .My hap- 
piness is in your hands. Adieu, friend. \Exit hack. 

Pergola. \^Alone, drawing forth a letter.} Well, Angelo, you wish 
it, and against my will, 1 must obey. Leontia shall wed Joseph 
D'Arpinas, and at your express request, I will bring about, and do 
the honors of this marriage. But, why the deuce was I foolish 
enough to bind my wild and brilliant destiny to Carravaggio's 
unlucky star ! . . . From the day I became his friend, I found that 
my character had become gloomy and melancholy ; I, who thought 
such a thing impossible till then. . . .1 talked reasonably, I wept at 
his cruel fate, yes, wept ! . . .Well, after all, one must do something 
for one's friends. 

Enter Leontia. 

Leontia. 1 have just left his Highness, who told me you wished 
to speak to me. 
Pergola. It is true. 
Leontia. 1 listen. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 41 

Pergola. Signora . . . [Aside.'] It is more embarrassing than I 
thought. 

Leontia. Well, Signor? 

Pergola. Well ! . . . \Aside^\ Come, I must have courage : I 
promised, and am a Knight of Malta. {Aloud.'\ Signora, to-day- 
is fixed upon by his Highness for \Hesitates.\ 

Leontia. For a marriage that is hateful to me, and that I reject 
with all my heart. 

Pergola. I am about to surprise you, Signora, but . . . But ... I 
think you are wrong 

Leontia. Wrong ? . . . What do you say ? 

Pergola. I knew I would surprise you!. .. I, myself, notwith- 
standing the resolution I took, feel it difficult to give you such 
advice ; T know you may not take it, and that you will begin by 
reproaching me and calling me an egotist. Heaven knows that I 
pity your grief and wish to see you happy ; for these reasons I 
advise you to wed Signor Joseph. 

Leontia. He!... You take a cruel pleasure in driving me to 
despair; you, who, but a few days since advised me to refuse 
.Joseph's hand. 

Pergola. A few days since I was sincere, and I am still the 
same. 

Leontia. No, no; you mock my torments, and that to-day, 
when I need your assistance the most ... Ah ! it is wrong, very 
wrong ! 

Pergola. Come, you will not believe that I am serious ; you are 
like his Highness, who a few moments since made me repeat twice 
the same thing, so improbable it appeared to him that I could utter 
a dozen words in succession without jesting ! ... It is my destiny 
to be mistrusted ! Yes, Signora, I speak sincerely , . . You must 
never see Carravaggio ! 

Leontia. Good heavens ! never ! 

Pergola. And for your own happiness you must renounce him. 

Leontia. Happiness ! happiness ! Afar from Carravaggio . . . 
The wife of his enemy ! Happiness ! after having perjured myself 
... I repeat, Signor, you seek to deceive me ; you cannot think of 
what you say . . .Or rather, you never were Carravaggio's friend. 

Pergola. I, not his friend ! . . . Signora, you are too severe ! . . . 
Ah ! I have now the right to say to you ... It is wrong, very 
wrong !. . . I, not his friend !. . . And if I were not, would I speak 
so strangely. . .Or rather, would I be as serious as I have been for 
the past hour?. . . It is with the greatest struggle, Signora, that I 
repeat : Carravaggio will never be your husband ... I fulfil a duty, 
a painful duty, but I must fulfil it. 

Leontia. And my promises . . . .? 

Pergola. Ah ! true, your promises . . . [^Aside.l I have found a 

10 



42 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 



1 



woman ready to keep her word ! perhaps the only one ! And her 
lover exempts her from keepmg it, too ! [Aloud.\ Here, Signora, 
read ; this letter relieves you from all promises. 

Leontia. A letter ! 

Pergola. Yes ; for to convince you of the truth of what I am 
saying, I must have recourse to this. 

Leontia. A letter from Angelo . . . .? 

Pergola. To his friend ; for, as you will see, he still believes me 
his friend. 

Leontia. [Reading.] "Dear Pergola: — T know what has 
" taken place in Milan. AVhen you will receive this letter they 
" will no doubt be prepared to celebrate the marriage, of which I 
" could not think for some time past without indignation." \She 
looks at Pergola.] 

Pergola. You see ! 

Leontia. [Reading.] " So, my dear Pergola, think of changing 
" Leontia's determination . . . Tell her that I release her from her 
" vows . . .Now that it is im.possible for me to keep my oath." [She 
weeps.] 

Pergola. [Aside.] Perhaps he \vishes to become a Knight of 
Malta. 

Leontia. [Reading.] " Tell her I implore her to obey his High- 
" ness, and accept the husband he destines her. Adieu ; 1 depend 
"on your friendship. — Michael Angelo Carravaggio." [Hides 
her head in her hands.] 

Pergola. AVritten and signed by himself. 

Leontia. Well, Signor, behold him whose honor and constancy 
you ever spoke of! 

Pergola. True ! ... As regards constancy in love, I will never 
answer for a friend as long as I live ; it is enough to do to be re- 
sponsible for myself . . .When I succeed in so doing .... 

Leontia. [Reading again.] " Tell her I implore her to obey his 
" Highness, and accept the husband he destines her." . . . Signor, 
reply to your friend, that I will obey. . . Not his Highness's com- 
mand, but his . . . He wishes it, I will be his enemy's wife. 

Pergola. [Aside.] How easily women understand vengeance. 
[Aloud.] Signora, what are your plans ? 

Leontia. I will yield to Carravaggio's will . . . Have I not always 
obeyed his wishes, his caprices? [Walking to and fro agitated.] 
Where are the Noblemen who are to witness my happiness ? — 
And the noble Knight whose glorious wife I am to be, where is he 
now ? I await him . . . Ah ! what means this delay 7 

Pergola. Signora, be calm . . . They are coming. 

Leontia. Ah! already ! . . . Never mind, let them come ! . . . I 
will be happy, very happy to receive their congratulations. [Aside.] 
Before to-night I shall be dead ! [Aloud.] Let them come, the 
noble lords ! 



THE ARTIST ANt) THE NOBLEMAN. 43 

Pergola. Is she serious? [Aside. '\^ Come, she is one of her sex, 
after all, and has made up her mind in a moment. 
Enter Duke, Joseph, Daverna, Spinelli, Beatrice, Laddies 
and Nobles. 

Leontia \Going to Duke. J Your Highness, T awaited you. This 
morning I was guilty ; pardon me, I beseech you ; I submit to your 
will. Signor Joseph D'Arpinas, here is my hand. 

Joseph. Ah ! Signora, I scarce can believe such happiness. 

Pergola. [Aside.] Nor I ; I scarce can believe . . . And I don't 
believe .... 

Duke. Leontia, my cliild ... Ah ! now all my wishes are fulfilled, 
and it is to you I am indebted .... 

Leontia. Your Highness ! [Aside.] Alas ! [In a forced tone.] 
I thank you, Signor Joseph, for your generosity ; T accept those 
gifts ... I am happy, proud, to become your wife — But, perniit 
me to retire for a moment. Come, Beatrice, and you too. Ladies, I 
need your kind services. [Leontia and Ladies exeunt. 

Pergola. [Aside.] Poor Leontia! She is too amiable with Joseph. 
She must be mad ! 

Duke. Signor Daverna, I have some orders to give you. [Speaks 
in a whisper to Daverna, who exits.] 

Joseph. [Kissing the Duke's hand.] Your Highness, I know 
not how to thank you for the kindness you have shown me ... . 

Duke. By always proving yourself worthy of it. [Aside to 
Pergola.] Signor, I would be pleased if you allowed me a chance 
to give you proofs of my gratitude. 

Pergola. [Li a loio tone.] You owe me nothing, your Highness, 
for I am so sorry at what I have done, that I have scarce courage 
to perform my duties. 

Duke. Come, come, I will assist you if necessary. [To Nobles.] 
Signori, I have named Signor Delia Pergola Grand Master of Cer- 
emonies ; you will obey him as you would myself. [All bovj — ^ 
flourish of trumpets in the gardens.] 

Enter Leontia in her bridal dress, Beatrice, Ladies, Heralds, 
and Musicians at back. 

Duke. [Going to Leontia.] Leontia, Joseph, before leading you 
to the altar, I will give both of you a new proof of my kindness 
and love. 

Daverna. [Entering.] Your Highness's orders are executed. 

Duke. Thanks, Signor Daverna . . . Noblemen who surround me, 
I required your presence to give more brilliancy to the double cere- 
mony about to take place . . . Heralds, approach, bring hither the 
brilliant crest, the glorious coat of arms. [Heralds obey his 
orders.] 

Pergola. [Aside.] What next, I wonder ? 



44 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Duke. Joseph . . . Signer D'Arpinas, I, Grand Duke of Milaa, 
in the eyes of my Court adopt you as my son. 

Joseph. Ah ! your Highness ! . . . Father ! [Falls at his knees.] 

Duke. In my arms, Joseph, my son ! \Emhraces him.] This 
crest is mine; in future it shall be substituted for yours, and you 
will show youi-self worthy of it by always acting as a braA'e and 
loyal Knight. 

Joseph. I swear it ! 

Duke. Signor Delia Pergola, you know the customs ... It is now 
your duty to give ordei-s in my stead. [Takes a seat at hack. Per- 
gola leads Leontia to him and makes her sit down icith the Grand 
Duke. 

Pergola. Heralds, approach ! [Flourish — he takes Joseph hy 
the hand and leads him to the middle of the stage.} Noblemen, you 
have heard his Highness's commands ; it pleases him to adopt this 
Nobleman as his son, and to allow him the crest of his noble house 
... If there be one amongst you who thinks it his duty to object to 
this, who considers Signor D'Arpinas unworthy of such an honor, 
let him stand forth and give his reasons. 

Daverna. No, no ; not one ! • 

Nobles. No, no! 

Pergola. [ Aside. \ Ah! were I not Grand Master of Ceremonies! 
[Aloud. \ Then, you all approve, without restriction, of his High- 
ness's choice ? 

Nobles. Yes ! all, all I 

Filter Carravaggio. 

Carravaggio. All — But me ! . . . . [Strikes the crest with his 
sword and overthrows it.] 

All. Carravaggio ! [General excitement — Leontia and Per- 
gola rim to Carravaggio and press him in their arms.] 

Pergola. Is it possible, my friend ! 

Leontia. Ah ! it is you ! You ! . . .Who love me still . . . Could 
it be otherwi"se? 

Duke. Carravaggio ... I could not foresee your return . . . And 
your audacity . 

Carravaggio. Ycur Highness, I have now the right to appear at 
your Court, to overthrow that crest, and cross swords with that 
unworthy Nobleman ! . . . See, see these papers ; I too am a Knight. 
[Gives papers to Duke.J 

Pergola. Ah, ah ! Signor de Carravaggio, it is now my duty to 
herald you ! 

Leontia. [Aside.] Holy Virgin, my patron Saint, thanks, thanks! 

Duke. [To Joseph, having looked over the papers.] Joseph, he is 
a Nobleman. ♦ 

Nobles. A Nobleman ! 

Carravaggio. Yes; I was a Nobleman in heart, and now I am one 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 45 

in heart and name. \Bitt€rly.\ Yes, in name . . . And to earn that 
title, oh ! the labor it cost me ! . . .The outrages I had to submit to ! 

I, once so proud, whose brow had never bent to any, whose 

talent never disguised either vice, deformity, or ridicule, I flattered 
pride — the vanities of Princes and Noblemen ; I painted a tyrant 
as Titus, his mistress as Lucretia, and gave the manly features of 
the republicans of ancient Rome, to the courtiers of the present 
day ... I crawled at the feet of all the sovereigns in Europe ... I 
slavishly sold them my talent and my name ... I debased myself 
in my own eyes, — \]ntteiiy.\ — that I might win these titles ! . . . But 
the sovereigns offered me gold, as the Artist's salary, gold, only 
gold ... At last the Spaniards entered Italy ; I joined the army, 
fought a score of battles, and it was on the field of honor, after 
having saved an entire town from ruin, that I was knighted. 

Duke. I have read these papers, and confess with pleasure, Car- 
ravaggio, that you merit our esteem and admiration . . . But, why 
must you return .... 

Carravaggio. Joseph D'Arpinas, you did not expect it, did you ? 
. . . The Grand Duke's favorite, the future husband of the fair 
Leontia, you were intoxicated with happiness, and I, I savored in 
advance all the pleasures of vengeance ! . . . I would not have had 
any one trouble your dreams by mentioning the name of Carravag- 
gio; I would not have had Leontia refuse your hand . . .To attack 
you when unfortunate, when foiled in your love, was not sufficient 
vengeance for me ; I waited the moment when all your dreams being 
realized, I could appear and say : You are a wretch, a coward ! 
Your life, I must have your life to wash out my insult ! Draw ! 
behold my witness. \Points to Pergola.] All these Noblemen 
will hasten to be yours. Draw ! here, at once, we will fight till 
one of us falls. 

Joseph. Well, well ! . . .Yes, till one of us falls. 

Duke. [In a whisper.] Joseph, remember that you must remove 
the stain from that crest, henceforth yours as well as mine. 

Joseph. \To DuKEj in low tone.\ Father, I will live worthy of 
you, or die. 

Pergola. [During this last dialogue Pergola has spoken loith Da- 
VERNA and Spinelli.J Signori, it has been agreed between the 
seconds that the principals will fight immediately, with swords, in 
the garden; your Highness, and you, Ladies, I beseech you to 
withdraw. 

Duke. The Ladies may, but I will remain, 

Leontia. And I ; do not leave me, good Beatrice. [Ladies retire 
to hack J the middle of the stage is cleared.] 

Carravaggio. Come, I await you. Signer Joseph. 

Joseph. [Draioing his sword.\ I am at your disposal, Signor. 
[Both go to garden at hack.] 

11 



46 THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 

Pergola. Signori, make way for the gentlemen. 

Leontia. And may Heaven protect the right! [She leans on 
Beatrice. — Mitsic. — Carravaggio and Joseph cross their sioords. 
— A pause. — All look at the duel taking j^lcice loith anxiety. 

Carravaggio. There, wretch, this may be your punishment ! 

Joseph. And yours ! 

Leontia. Ah ! Angelo ! [3Iakes a movement.^ 

Duke. [Stopping her.\ Stay, stay, Signora, and let all be silent ; 
a step, a word, might decide the fate of the duel. 

Leontia. [Aside. \ Holy Virgin, protect Angelo ! 

Duke. See ! my son has the advantage ! 

Leontia. Good heavens ! 

Duke. He will throw his opponent. 

Leontia. Ah ! my strength fails me ! [Beatrice supports her.'\ 

Duke. Ah ! my son is disarmed ! [Hides his head in Ms 
hands.] 

Leontia. Oh ! Holy Virgin, thanks, thanks ! 

Joseph. [Tearing open his coat.] §trike, and kill me !. . . I have 
insulted you. 

Carravaggio. Signor Joseph, take your sword and let the fight 
continue. 

Enter Stefano. 

Stefano. [Entering hurriedly.] Brother !.. .Where is he? [All 
look toioards hack, he runs there.] Angelo ! brother ! 

Carravaggio. Stefano! [Emhraces him.] Poor child! why 
come hither 1 

Stefano. Heavens ! What are you doing with that sword ? . . . 
Fighting ! ... Do you wish to die, and kill me at the same time ! 

Pergola. Stefano, stand back ! 

Stefano. Stand back ! Shall I let him kill my brother? My 
whole happiness is centred in Angelo ! . . . I love but him ! live but 
for him ! I ask nothing but my brother. I must have him ; he is 
mine, my only wealth ; you shall not tear him from me ! [Drags 
Carravaggio to the middle of the stage.] 

Joseph. Signor Carravaggio, what am I to do ? 

Carravaggio. Take up your sword, and let the duel continue ; 
your Highness, command that child to depart. 

Duke. Come, child, go ! . . . You must. 

Leontia. [Approaching, in a whisper.] Stefano, remain, I beseech 
you! 

Stefano. [Astonished and aside.] The fair unknown ! . . . No, 
yourHighness ; you may drive me away, but I will not willingly 
leave this spot ! [Recognizing Joseph.] Ah ! . . . I am not mis- 
taken ... It is you whom 

Joseph. [Aside.] Heavens ! [Aloud.] You are wrong. I do not 
know you. 



THE ARTIST AND THE NOBLEMAN. 47 

Stefano. Ah ! but I do. I recognize you full well. 

Joseph. [Ill a lohisper to Stefano.J I implore you, be silent ! 

Stefano. And why should I ? I am not ungrateful ! 

Carravagglo. What do you mean, Stefano? 

Stefano. [Aftei- having pressed Joseph's hand.\ Listen, brother: 
I was swimming the other day in the lake, and came near drown- 
ing, when a young Nobleman riding past saw the danger I ran, 
and dived instantly after me, just as my strength was faihng. He 
seized me with one hand, and swimming to the shore with the other, 
lifted me safely on the bank ; then he ordered his servants to take 
care of me and fled to avoid my gratitude. 

Diike. Joseph, my son, is it possible? 

Joseph. Father .... 

Spinelli, Yes, your Highness ; I was present and recognize now 
the boy, but I knew not then that he was Carravaggio's brother. 

Duke. Well, Signor Carravaggio, what say you to this ? 

Carravaggio. Your Highness .... 

S-efano. Brother, he saved my life ! .... 

Carravaggio. He dishonored mine ! . . . . 

Dnke. Dishonored yours? A false pride blinds you, Signor 
Carravaggio . . . Besides, will not your conduct prove to all how 
bright and unsullied your honor? — I may now disclose to you 
the deep regret of Signor D'Arpinas .... 

Joseph. Your Highness, I confess now, without blushing, that in 
a fit of vile jealousy, 1 insulted, as no worthy Knight should, a 
noble and great Artist. I regret it most deeply . . . Signor Carra- 
vaggio, I consent in advance to give you any satisfaction you may 
demand, and I will not consider my honor retrieved till my fault is 
wiped out. 

Carravaggio. Well, Signor D'Arpinas, the Mussulmen have just 
attacked the Isle of Rhodes, and ... . 

Joseph. You have anticipated me, Signor Carravaggio ; I will go 
and deserve my sovereign's favors. Adieu ! 

I Bows and exit. 

Duke. My son ! 

Leontia. Angelo ! my beloved Angelo ! 

[Carravaggio kisses her hand. 

Pergola. \To Nohleriien.] Now, Signori, you must believe that 
the mason's son is at least your equal. 



THE end. 



LAW ON DEAMATIO COMPOSITION -18. 



Any copyright hereafter granted, under the law 
the United States, to the author or proprietor of an 
dramatic composition, designed or suited for pub 
representation, shall be deemed and taken to con. 
upon the said author or proprietor, his heirs or assign 
along with the sole right to print and publish tL 
said composition, the sole right also to act, perforn 
or represent the same, or cause it to be acted> pei 
formed, or represented, on any stage or public plac« 
during the whole period for which the copyright * 
obtained ; and any manager, actor, or other persor 
acting, performing, or representing the said composi- 
tion, without or against the consent of the said au- 
thor or proprietor, his heirs or assigns, shall be liabl 
for damages, to be sued for and recovered by actioL 
on the case, or other equivalent remedy, with costs 
of suit, in any court of the United States — such 
damages in all cases to be rated and assessed at suc^ 
sum not less than one hundred dollars for the first, 
and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance 
as to the court having cognizance thereof shall ap- 
pear to be just. .^ 




3 ■.^. 






-^x. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 103 970 6 



n 



